Panama Medical Vacations

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Cardiac Radio Frequency Ablation in Panama

Cardiac Radio Frequency Ablation is a procedure that is performed to regulate heart rhythm; it is a technique that can cure many types of tachycardia. Using catheters that are threaded into the heart, radiofrequency energy is targeted toward the area causing the abnormal heart rhythm, permanently damaging small areas of tissue. The damaged tissue is no longer able to generate electrical impulses. If the procedure is successful, the arrhythmia is no longer able to be generated, curing the patient.

Prior to Surgery

Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure

Small catheters will be moved into the heart; many times these catheters are placed into the vein or artery in both the right and left groin and are positioned within the chambers of the heart using fluoroscopy. The exact location for these catheters is found by measuring the electrical impulses from the heart's muscle. The surgeon will use these impulses trying to recreate the arrhythmia.

Utilizing one of several methods for identifying the electrical system, the various sections of the heart that are causing your arrhythmia can be identified. After identification, the surgeon will then use the radiofrequency energy to treat the problem area. Throughout this procedure, a patient's heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure are closely monitored to watch for problems.

When the procedure is completed, the doctor will again attempt to start the arrhythmia. If it cannot be recreated, the procedure is considered to be complete; however, if the arrhythmia can still be started, additional radiofrequency energy is used. The length of the procedure varies from patient to patient, depending upon the type of arrhythmia being treated and how many times the procedure is repeated. Typically, the procedure lasts three hours or more.

After your surgery

You will be taken to a recovery area while the effects of the sedative subside. The catheter insertion sites will be monitored for bleeding and the heart rhythm is observed closely during this time. You will stay in bed for several hours to reduce the risk of bleeding from the catheter incisions.

Some patients are admitted to the hospital following the procedure, but many go home later the same day. Certain activities are limited for a brief period in order to avoid problems with the catheter incision sites. You will likely be asked to take aspirin every day for several weeks to prevent blood clots. The surgeon will give you more detailed information about medications needed after the procedure. Pain medication after the surgery is usually needed for only a short time, if at all.

Risks

Like any invasive procedure, cardiac radio frequency ablation carries some risk. Complications can include:

Problems from threading the catheters through the blood vessels including bleeding, infection, blood clots, bruising, and injury to the vessels.
Injury to the heart due to the catheters. This can include a perforation through the muscle or damage to one of the valves within the heart.
Blood clots.
Heart block or failure of any electrical impulse to travel from the top parts of the heart to the bottom. If this occurs, a pacemaker is required.
New arrhythmias
Radiation exposure.
Death (occurs in approximately 0.1 to 0.3 percent of cases)