A-fib, SVTs, and other coronary arrhythmias don’t always respond to medication. When pills don’t work, your cardiac electrophysiologist may recommend a procedure called catheter ablation, also known as radiofrequency coronary ablation.
Most patients who have never had a coronary procedure are understandably concerned about catheter ablation. Dr. Ian Weisberg tells his patients what to expect.
It’s Important to Follow Your Pre-Procedure Instructions
You will be told not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before going to the cath lab. The reason for this rule is that food or water in your stomach can come up during the procedure, possibly aspirating into your lungs and creating a medical emergency during the procedure. If you come to the hospital munching on a doughnut and sipping a cup of coffee, you will be asked to reschedule for another day.
Similarly, you must take all the medications and only the medications your doctor tells you to take the day of your procedure.
You’ll Get an IV. Or Maybe Two
The prep nurse will place an IV line, or maybe two, into your arm for anesthesia and medication during the procedure. This procedure is usually painless.
You Will Have a Quick Visit with Your Anesthesiologist
Your anesthesiologist will take a quick look in your mouth to make sure you don’t have any dental problems that could interfere with breathing during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will also ask about your experiences with anesthesia in the past.
You’ll Get Wheeled into the Cath Lab
As soon as you:
- Have had one last chance to go to the bathroom (even if you didn’t really feel you needed to go).
- Have gotten into your gown, and
- You have had a last chance to ask questions before the procedure.
You will be taken to the cath lab. You will be transferred to the surgical bed, hooked up to an EKG, and given warm blankets to stay comfortable.
Then It’s Time for Your Interventionist to Get to Work
You may be given medication to relax you, and keep you in a twilight state, or you may be given general anesthesia. Your cardiologist will insert a long, thin tube called a catheter through an artery or a vein in your groin, arm, or neck. The catheter carries sensitive equipment to locate the area in your heart that is causing your arrhythmia, and then destroys the problem tissue with heat (radiofrequency waves) or cold (cryoablation).
Recovery Can Take About an Hour
After your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room. When you are fully awake, the nurse will help you get dressed and ready to be taken home. (You can’t drive yourself home!) In some cases, you may stay overnight.
The bandage on the entry point for your catheter will dissolve on its own. To avoid any complications, follow your doctor’s advice about your activities for the next few days.
Thousands of patients get the relief they need with cardiac ablation. Dr. Ian Weisberg will answer all of your questions during your appointments.
