What is ablation and what causes it?

Ablation is a procedure to treat atrial fibrillation. It uses small burns or freezes to cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. This can help the heart maintain a normal heart rhythm. The heart has 4 chambers.

What is medical ablation?

(a-BLAY-shun) In medicine, the removal or destruction of a body part or tissue or its function. Ablation may be performed by surgery, hormones, drugs, radiofrequency, heat, or other methods.

What does a heart ablation consist of?

Cardiac ablation is a procedure that scars tissue in your heart to block abnormal electrical signals. It’s used to restore a normal heart rhythm. Long flexible tubes (catheters) are threaded through blood vessels to your heart. Sensors on the tips of the catheters use heat or cold energy to destroy (ablate) the tissue.

How long do you stay in the hospital after an ablation?

After the Procedure Special machines will monitor your heart as you recover. Some people can go home the same day as the ablation, but others will stay in the hospital for one or more nights.

What are the benefits of ablation?

One of the main benefits to endometrial ablation is that it doesn’t require any incisions. This ensures a reduced risk of infection. It also allows you to heal faster so that you can get back to your normal routine in less time than with surgical procedures.

Does heart ablation shorten life span?

The study published in Heart Rhythm shows cardiovascular mortality dropped by 60 percent among adults who had their normal heart rhythm restored through catheter ablation.

How long does it take the heart to heal after ablation?

The ablated (or destroyed) areas of tissue inside your heart may take up to eight weeks to heal. You may still have arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) during the first few weeks after your ablation. During this time, you may need anti-arrhythmic medications or other treatment.

How many years does ablation last?

Previous studies have reported follow-up for up to 5 years and provide comparable success rates. Ablation success rates are clearly dependent on the type of AF and it is known that outcomes are not as enticing in patients with persistent AF and long-standing persistent AF.