Cardiac Ablation is a procedure indicated to treat various forms of tachyarrhythmias (fast heart rhythms). Several catheters are advanced from the leg (groin) to the heart in a manner similar to a heart catheterization. Once in place, the physician will pace and map the hearts electrical system to identify the location of the tachyarrhythmia. Upon isolating the location of the arrhythmia, a focal lesion is placed by an ablation catheter in the heart by either heating or freezing the targeted tissue.
Depending on the type of tachyarrhythmia, the cardiac ablation procedure may take up to several hours. Despite the long duration of the case, many of the patients who undergo this procedure are discharged the same day. Moderate sedation is usually administered, but some patients are given general anesthesia.
For more information about the cardiac ablation procedure or our full range of comprehensive cardiovascular services, you may call us at 410-469-4000 or contact one of Woodholme’s three Baltimore area cardiology locations.
