Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat (similar to microwave heat) to destroy a small area of tissue that is triggering a rapid or irregular heartbeat known asĀ atrial fibrillation, or AFib. Your Cardiac Electrophysiologist may recommend this therapy if your AFib canā€™t be controlled by medicine.

Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasiveĀ cardiac catheterizationĀ procedure. You may be given a sedative to help you relax, but you will remain awake throughout the procedure. A local anesthetic will be injected to numb the area in the arm or groin where the doctor will insert the catheter. They will guide it through a blood vessel to the heart and send small electrical impulses through an electrode catheter to identify the abnormal tissue causing the arrhythmia. The doctor will then send a mild, painless burst of heat through the catheter to cause tiny scars and restore your heartā€™s regular heart rhythm.

The procedure takes two to four hours, and youā€™ll likely be able to go home the same day.

Speak with your Cardiologist at The Heart Institute of East Texas to see what the best treatment options for you are.

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The Heart Institute of East Texas, P.A.

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