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Cardiac
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
What’s
Next:
Before:
- A physician
order is necessary. Your physician’s
office will call to schedule the procedure.
- Do not eat
or drink after midnight before your procedure.
Follow your physician’s instructions
regarding your medications. If your procedure
is scheduled later in the day, ask your
physician about an alternate schedule
for fasting.
- Blood work
may be drawn prior to your procedure.
An EKG and/or chest x-ray may also be
ordered .
- Bring an
overnight bag. You may need to spend the
night following your procedure. You may
bring pajamas, change of clothes and toiletries.You
may not be allowed to drive for a day
or so after your discharge, so transportation
home from the hospital should be arranged
prior to discharge.
- Bring a list
of current medications. You may be asked
to bring your own medications.
During:
- The set up
for a cardiac ablation is identical to
an electrophysiology study. The physician
uses specialized catheters that ablate
(burn) tissue in the heart to block or
eliminate abnormal cardiac rhythms (irregular
heartbeats).
- Radiofrequency
or ultrasonic energy released at the tip
of the catheter burns the abnormal tissue
allowing for the return of a normal heart
rhythm. The amount of affected tissue
is very small and does not alter the heart
function.
- Your physician
may use a specialized intra-cardiac mapping
catheter (ESI) that produces an anatomically
correct image of your heart to help isolate
the exact location for ablating.
After:
- Limit your
activity for 24 hours.
- Avoid heavy
lifting or straining for 3-4 days, then
gradually resume your normal activity
as directed by your physician.
- A small bruise
or lump at the site may be normal. Do
not rub.
- Keep wound
clean and dry. You may shower.
- Check site
frequently. If you notice bleeding, apply
firm pressure over the dressing and call
your physician immediately.
- If you notice
any of the following signs, call your
physician:
- Increased swelling, redness or tenderness
at the puncture site
- Bleeding or drainage from the site
- Fever of 100 or greater
- Rapid heart rate, palpitations, shortness
of breath, dizziness or chest pain
- Eat well-balanced
meals.
- Take your
medications exactly as directed. Do not
make changes without your physician’s
advise. Physician will tell you if new
medications are needed.
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