Ablation is a treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. This involves inserting an additional catheter into the heart. This catheter has a tip that can be heated with microwave energy. Energy is then given to the heart, with a small scar being burnt to relieve cardiac arrhythmia.
In principle, this treatment has no consequences for the further functioning of the heart. The burning can be experienced as chest, back or shoulder pain. If the pain is too severe and burning is needed several times, you can ask for additional painkillers. The cardiologist may decide to perform the ablation under general anaesthesia.
Once the arrhythmia has been burned away, the cardiologist usually waits 20 minutes to see if the arrhythmia returns. If this is not the case, the procedure is stopped.
The chance of success of the procedure depends on the arrhythmia that was detected. In most cases, it is around 90-97%, but in some arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation) it is significantly lower (60-70%).
The duration of the procedure is usually 1 to 2 hours, but can also be up to 4 hours.
After the procedure the tubes are removed from the groin and you must stay in bed for at least 6 hours or until the next day. During this time, it is best to lie as still as possible; afterwards, you can try to move quietly.
