Cardiac Ablation: High Success Rates at Specialized Centers
Cardiac ablation, a procedure to correct irregular heartbeats, has high success rates at specialized centers. However, it carries risks and requires careful preparation. Here's what you need to know.
Cardiac ablation is performed by interventional cardiologists to treat specific arrhythmias like AV nodal reentrant tachycardia, accessory pathway, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia. Success rates vary depending on the type of arrhythmia, with about 80% effectiveness for atrial fibrillation and a 74.1% overall success rate for various supraventricular arrhythmias. At top-level centers like the Deutsche Herzzentrum Berlin and Universitätsmedizin Mainz, high success rates are reported due to their multidisciplinary teams and advanced technology.
Before the procedure, doctors order tests to record your heart's electrical activity and ask about other conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Patients should not eat or drink after midnight and may need to stop certain medications. The procedure involves threading catheters through a blood vessel into the heart, using electrodes to deliver an electrical pulse to abnormal areas. It typically takes between three to six hours and may be done under general or local anesthesia with sedation. After the procedure, patients may feel tired and experience some discomfort, with periodic electrocardiograms to monitor heart rhythm. A three-month waiting period, called a blanking period, is required to determine the procedure's success. Risks include bleeding, pain, infection, blood clots, damage to heart valves or arteries, and heart attack.
Cardiac ablation offers high success rates at specialized centers, but it's important to understand the risks and preparation involved. If you're considering this procedure, consult your doctor to discuss your specific condition and the best course of action.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
