Quick facts
Treatment type
Minimally invasive, catheter-based
Energy used
Radiofrequency (heat) or cryoablation (cold)
Hospital stay
Short
Anaesthesia
Sedation or general
What is it
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by destroying the small areas of heart tissue that cause the abnormal electrical signals.
Why it is done
To restore a normal heart rhythm and relieve symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Who needs it
Symptomatic arrhythmias despite medication
Recurrent arrhythmias affecting daily life
Arrhythmias needing long-term rhythm control
Patients who want to reduce or stop anti-arrhythmic medication, where appropriate
Rhythms treated include atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, AV nodal re-entry tachycardia, AV re-entry tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular complexes.
Types and options
Radiofrequency ablation - uses heat energy to treat the abnormal tissue
Cryoablation - uses cold energy
Catheter ablation - delivers treatment through thin catheters guided into the heart
3D mapping-guided ablation - uses advanced mapping to locate the abnormal electrical signals precisely
Tests before treatment
ECG
Holter or other rhythm monitoring
Echocardiography
Electrophysiology study
Cardiac imaging where required
Evaluation of symptoms and medical history
How it is done
Thin catheters are guided into the heart, the abnormal area is mapped, and energy is delivered through the catheter to treat it.
Recovery
Most patients have a short hospital stay. The catheter insertion site is watched for bleeding or complications. Normal activities are resumed gradually on medical advice. Follow-up ECG and rhythm monitoring may be needed, and anti-arrhythmic medication may continue for a time depending on the condition.
Benefits and outcomes
Relieves arrhythmia symptoms
Improves quality of life
High success rate for many arrhythmias
Minimally invasive
Short recovery time
May reduce the need for long-term anti-arrhythmic medication in appropriate patients
Risks and complications
Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
Infection
Blood vessel injury
Abnormal heart rhythm
Blood clots or stroke
Damage to surrounding heart tissue or structures
Recurrence of the arrhythmia
Rarely, a need for further treatment
Preparing to travel
Complete cardiac and rhythm evaluation
Review medications with your cardiologist
Complete the required blood tests and imaging
Follow instructions about medications and fasting
Undergo pre-procedure assessment
How it is done
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1
Catheter insertion
Thin catheters are inserted through a vein, usually in the groin, and guided to the heart.
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2
Mapping
Electrophysiological mapping identifies the area producing the abnormal electrical signals.
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3
Ablation
Radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy is delivered through the catheter to the targeted tissue.
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4
Testing
The heart is tested again to confirm the abnormal rhythm has been successfully treated.
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5
Normal rhythm restored
The normal electrical pathways are preserved, helping the heart keep a normal rhythm.
Where you can have this
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What it costs
What changes the price
Type of arrhythmia
Type of ablation
Mapping technology used
Equipment and devices required
Hospital selected
Electrophysiologist and medical team
Diagnostic tests
Length of hospital stay
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