Radiofrequency ablation uses heat (similar to microwave heat) to destroy a small area of tissue that is triggering a rapid or irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, or AFib. Your Cardiac Electrophysiologist may recommend this therapy if your AFib can’t be controlled by medicine.
Radiofrequency ablation is minimally invasive cardiac catheterization 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 heart’s regular heart rhythm.
The procedure takes two to four hours, and you’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.
