Cardiac Ablation Procedures

When you suffer from rhythmic problems of the heart, such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillations or some cases of palpitations, one treatment option is a procedure known as cardiac ablation. While rarely the first choice of treatment for these conditions, many people do experience positive results from the procedure. It can correct certain structural problems of your heart that may be interfering with electrical signals that cause the chambers to contract. There are two basic ways in which cardiac ablation is performed, one less invasive than the next.

Catheter Ablation

• Probably the most common form of cardiac ablation is by way of a catheter,
  a thin, pliable tube fed into the body through a small incision in your neck, arm or groin. Often referred to simply as catheter ablation, the tube is then inserted in one of your blood vessels and guided (with the help of X-ray imaging) into your heart.

  After the catheter is in position, a series of electrodes are steered through the tube and into your heart. It is these electrodes that essentially carry out the rest of the procedure. They will discern which area (or areas) of your heart are actually causing the arrhythmia, fibrillation or palpitation, and will help correct the rhythmic problems you are experiencing.

  Once the location is determined, an electrical impulse is sent through the electrode and into the muscle of your heart, either destroying the unhealthy tissue or creating scar tissue within the affected chamber. With both the destruction of tissue or the creation of scarring, the electrical impulses that prompt your heart to contract should return to normal, curing the rhythmic problem and associated disorder.

Open-Heart Ablation

• Though not performed as frequently as catheter ablation, it is also possible to have an ablation procedure during open-heart surgery. More commonly known as the "Maze" procedure, this type of operation uses a scalpel instead of electrodes to correct the rhythmic issues of arrhythmias, atrial fibrillations and some cases of heart palpitations.

  With open-heart ablation, small incisions are made along the cardiac muscles to hinder any abnormal impulses that may be causing your heart to suffer the irregular beat. The incision will later cause scar tissue to form, blocking the improper stimulus. These cuts are strategically placed to better direct these impulses through the correct channels so that your heart may begin to beat normally.