Risks

Cardiac ablation carries a risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding or infection at the site where your catheter was inserted
• Damage to your blood vessels where the catheter may have scraped as it traveled to your heart
• Puncture of your heart
• Damage to your heart valves
• Damage to your heart's electrical system, which could worsen your arrhythmia and require a pacemaker to correct
• Blood clots in your legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
• Stroke or heart attack
• Narrowing of the veins that carry blood between your lungs and heart (pulmonary vein stenosis)
• Damage to your kidneys from dye used during the procedure
• Death in rare cases

Discuss the risks and benefits of cardiac ablation with your doctor to understand if this procedure is right for you.

How you prepare

Your doctor will evaluate you and may order several tests to evaluate your heart condition. Your doctor will discuss with you the risks and benefits of cardiac ablation.

You'll need to stop eating and drinking the night before your procedure. If you take any medications, ask your doctor if you should continue taking them before your procedure.

Your doctor will let you know if you need to follow any other special instructions before or after your procedure. In some cases, you'll be instructed to stop taking medications to treat a heart arrhythmia several days before your procedure.

If you have an implanted heart device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, talk to your doctor to see if you need to take any special precautions.

Overview

Atrial flutter ablation is a procedure to create scar tissue within an upper chamber of the heart in order to block the electrical signals that cause a fluttering heartbeat.

Atrial flutter occurs when your heart's electrical signals tell the upper chambers of your heart (atria) to beat too quickly. The goal of atrial flutter ablation is to stop the abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm.

Why it's done

Doctors use atrial flutter ablation to control the signs and symptoms associated with atrial flutter. Atrial flutter ablation may restore a normal heart rhythm, which may improve your quality of life.

What you can expect

Atrial flutter ablation is done in the hospital. You'll receive a medication called a sedative that helps you relax.

Once the sedative takes effect, a small area near a vein, usually in your groin, is numbed.

The doctor inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into the vein. He or she carefully guides the catheter into your heart.

Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record your heart's electricity. Your doctor uses this information to determine the best place to apply the ablation treatment.

Heat (radiofrequency energy) is applied to the target area, damaging the tissue and causing scarring. The scarring helps block the electrical signals that are causing your atrial flutter.

Atrial flutter ablation typically takes two to three hours. Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area where doctors and nurses will closely monitor your condition.

Depending on your condition, you may be allowed to go home the same day or you may spend a night in the hospital.

Results

Your doctor will schedule follow-up examinations to monitor your heart. Most people see improvements in their quality of life after this type of cardiac ablation, but there's a chance your atrial flutter may return. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated or you and your doctor might consider other treatments.