Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). In this procedure, radiofrequency or cryotherapy is applied to abnormal heart tissue causing the arrhythmia, providing permanent treatment.
What is Catheter Ablation?#
Catheter ablation is a procedure that destroys abnormal electrical pathways or foci causing arrhythmia by reaching the heart through thin catheters.
Ablation Methods:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Tissue burning with heat energy
- Cryoablation: Tissue freezing with cooling
- Pulse field ablation (PFA): Tissue damage with electric field (new technology)
Which Arrhythmias Are Treated with Ablation?#
Supraventricular Arrhythmias#
AVNRT (AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia):
- Most common cause of SVT
- Ablation success rate >95%
AVRT (AV Reentrant Tachycardia):
- Including WPW syndrome
- Accessory pathway ablation
Atrial Flutter:
- Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation
- Success rate >95%
Atrial Fibrillation:
- Pulmonary vein isolation
- High success in paroxysmal AF
Atrial Tachycardia:
- Focal or macroreentrant
- Localization with mapping
Ventricular Arrhythmias#
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT):
- Ischemic or non-ischemic
- Substrate ablation
PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction):
- Symptomatic or high burden
- Focal ablation
Pre-Ablation Evaluation#
Diagnostic Tests#
- 12-lead ECG
- 24-48 hour Holter
- Echocardiography
- Electrophysiology study (EPS)
- Cardiac MRI (in some cases)
Patient Preparation#
- Discontinuation of antiarrhythmic drugs
- Anticoagulant adjustment
- Fasting (6-8 hours)
- Groin area shaving
How is Ablation Performed?#
Procedure Steps#
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia + sedation (or general anesthesia)
- Vascular access: Femoral vein (groin)
- Catheter placement: To heart under fluoroscopy guidance
- Mapping: Determination of arrhythmia source
- Ablation: Energy application to target area
- Testing: Verification that arrhythmia cannot be induced
- Catheter removal: Hemostasis with pressure
Procedure Duration#
- Simple SVT ablation: 1-2 hours
- AF ablation: 2-4 hours
- VT ablation: 3-5 hours
Ablation Results#
Success Rates#
| Arrhythmia Type | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| AVNRT | >95% |
| AVRT/WPW | >95% |
| Atrial Flutter | >95% |
| Paroxysmal AF | 70-80% |
| Persistent AF | 50-70% |
| VT | 60-80% |
Recurrence Rates#
- SVT: <5%
- AF: 20-30% (after single procedure)
- VT: 20-40%
Ablation Risks#
Procedure risks:
- Access site complications (bleeding, hematoma)
- Heart perforation/tamponade (<1%)
- AV block (may require pacemaker)
- Stroke (in AF ablation)
- Pulmonary vein stenosis (in AF ablation)
- Esophageal injury (rare)
Post-Procedure Care#
In Hospital:
- 4-6 hours bed rest
- Access site monitoring
- Rhythm monitoring
After Discharge:
- Avoid heavy activity for 1-2 weeks
- Anticoagulant use (after AF ablation)
- Antiarrhythmic drugs (temporarily)
- Regular check-ups
Frequently Asked Questions#
Does ablation provide permanent treatment?
Is ablation painful?
When can I return to work after ablation?
Do I need to take medication after AF ablation?
What if ablation fails?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for arrhythmia evaluation or ablation treatment:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Arrhythmia Treatments#
Other arrhythmia treatments related to ablation:
- Electrophysiology Study - Arrhythmia diagnosis
- Cardioversion - Electrical cardioversion
- ICD - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Permanent Pacemaker - Bradycardia treatment
- Holter - 24-hour rhythm monitoring