What you can expect

Before

Cardiac ablation is done in the hospital. A specialist will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you a medication called a sedative to help you relax.

The amount of sedation needed for the procedure depends on your specific arrhythmia and other health conditions. You may be being fully awake or lightly sedated, or you may be given general anesthesia (fully asleep).

During

The doctor inserts the catheter through a blood vessel into your heart. More than one catheter is often used. The catheters may be inserted through a blood vessel in your groin (most common), shoulder or neck (less common).

Your doctor may inject dye through the catheter, which helps your blood vessels show up more clearly on X-ray images.

Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record your heart's electricity. Your doctor uses this information to identify the area that is causing your arrhythmia and to decide where to apply the ablation. This part of the procedure is called an electrophysiology (EP) study.

One of the following ablation techniques is used to create small scars in your heart and block the abnormal heart rhythms:

• Heat (radiofrequency energy)
• Extreme cold (cryoablation)

You may feel some minor discomfort when the catheter is moved into your heart and when energy is being delivered. If you have severe pain or shortness of breath, let your doctor know.

After

Cardiac ablation usually takes three to six hours to complete (but it can vary a lot based on the type of arrhythmia you have).

Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area for a few hours where doctors and nurses will closely monitor you. Depending on your condition, you may go home the same day or spend the night in the hospital. Plan to have someone else drive you home after your procedure.

Some people feel a little sore after the procedure. The soreness shouldn't last more than a week. Most people return to normal activities within a few days after having cardiac ablation, but you should avoid any heavy lifting for about a week.