Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive heart procedure carried
out by an Interventional cardiologist in a Cardiac Catheterization laboratory
in order to treat abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia).
It is also known as
Cardiac catheter ablation or Radiofrequency ablation. It involves use of
radiofrequency energy to destroy a small portion of heart tissue that is
responsible for faulty electrical signals causing irregular heartbeat.
Under normal scenario, when heart is functioning normally, there
are specialized cardiac muscle cells forming the cardiac conduction system that
is responsible for generating and propagation of electrical signals to the
heart muscles causing them to contract in coordination, so that the blood is
pumped effectively.
RFA is usually recommended when medicines for treating arrhythmia
are either causing side effects or are ineffective. Radiofrequency ablation
helps in restoration of normal heart rhythm. It is important to note here that
every patient with abnormal heartbeat does not require RFA. Most of the
patients do get good results from medicines alone, however, few of them may
not, for which the heart specialist will determine the viability and benefits
of RFA after running certain tests and clinically evaluating the patient.
Medicines act on the abnormal heart tissue and try restore the
normal heart rhythm whereas RFA (Radiofrequency ablation) destroys the trouble
causing tissue once for all.
SVT (Supraventricular
tachycardia), atrial flutter or fibrillation are the indications for RFA.
Irregular heartbeat leads to ineffective pumping of blood by the heart causing
symptoms such as fainting spells, shortness of breath and fatigue.
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