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Radiofrequency Ablation

(Also known as Catheter Ablation)

What the Procedure Does

A catheter with an electrode at its tip is guided through the veins to the heart muscle with real-time, moving X-rays (fluoroscopy) displayed on a video screen. The catheter is placed at the exact site inside the heart where cells give off the electrical signals that stimulate the abnormal heart rhythm. Then a mild, painless radiofrequency energy (similar to microwave heat) is transmitted to the pathway. This destroys carefully selected heart muscle cells in a very small area (about 1/5 of an inch).

Reason for the Procedure

  • Preferred treatment for many types of rapid heartbeats (arrhythmias) especially supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Learn more about Ablation.

 

“https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/cardiac-procedures-and-surgeries#”