Ablations of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are minimally invasive procedures used to correct irregular heart rhythms by selectively destroying areas in the heart that emit faulty electrical signals. During the procedure, the cardiologist guides catheters through the blood vessels to the heart to isolate the problematic regions using radiofrequency energy or cold, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm.
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An ablation is a procedure in which specific areas of the heart that send faulty electrical impulses and thus trigger atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter are ablated using catheters. This is done either by radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat, or by cryoablation, which uses extreme cold, to block the faulty signals and restore normal rhythm.
An ablation is particularly suitable for patients who have persistent atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter that does not respond well to medication or when medications cause undesirable side effects. It is also an option for patients seeking symptomatic relief and whose quality of life is impaired by the irregular heartbeat.
Before an ablation, a comprehensive cardiological examination may be required, including ECG, echocardiogram, and possibly a CT or MRI of the heart to accurately assess its structure and function. Patients are usually instructed to fast before the procedure and adjust certain medications, especially blood thinners, under medical guidance.
The risks of ablation include bleeding or infection at the catheter insertion site, damage to the heart from the ablation itself, such as perforations or damage to the heart valves, and the risk of heart rhythm disturbances. In rare cases, a stroke or other vascular complications can also occur.
After a successful ablation, many patients can experience a significant reduction in symptoms or a complete restoration of normal heart rhythm. However, it is possible that multiple sessions may be needed to achieve optimal results. Patients may need to continue taking medication and have regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart rhythm and ensure that no further treatments are necessary.
Wir bieten eine Vielzahl weiterer Untersuchungen an, um ein umfassendes Bild Ihrer kardiovaskulären Gesundheit zu erhalten. Diese Untersuchungen helfen uns, individuelle Behandlungspläne zu erstellen und Ihre Herzgesundheit optimal zu fördern.
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