Premature Ventricular Contraction Ablation
Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation
Cardiac Device Implantation
What is PVC Ablation?
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that originate from the ventricles. While often benign, frequent PVCs can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue and may contribute to heart dysfunction. PVC ablation is a procedure used to eliminate these abnormal electrical signals by applying energy to the site of origin.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Depending on your condition and location of the PVCs, you may be awake or under general anesthesia (asleep). Your doctor may suggest that this procedure is done while you are awake with some mild sedation to ensure adequate PVCs are seen to maximize the success of the procedure.
- Catheters will be inserted into the groin (left, right, or both) under local anesthetic and guided to the heart using X-ray imaging and/or magnetic mapping technology.
- Electrical mapping will be performed to identify the precise source of the PVCs.
- You may experience extra beats, skipped beats, or "flip-flop" sensations, which are normal during the procedure.
- If the PVC source is identified, radiofrequency or cryoablation will be used to eliminate the abnormal tissue causing the arrhythmia.
Risks Involved
While PVC ablation is a generally safe procedure, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
- Minor bleeding at the groin site, which can typically be controlled by applying firm pressure for 30 minutes.
- Heart rhythm disturbances, though most are temporary as the heart heals.
- Blood clots or stroke (rare, as blood thinners may be used to minimize risk
- Heart perforation or damage to heart structures (rare but possible due to catheter placement inside the heart).
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Minor bruising and soreness in the groin, which may take a few weeks to fully resolve.
- Temporary irregular heartbeats, which are common as the heart heals.
- Fatigue for a few days following the procedure.
- If minor bleeding occurs at the catheter site, apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to the Emergency Room if you experience:
- Severe pain or increasing swelling in the groin where catheters were inserted.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Vomiting blood or severe nausea.
- Uncontrolled bleeding at the catheter site.
- Stroke-like symptoms such as changes in vision, inability to speak or understand speech, difficulty walking, or loss of function in arms or legs.
Success Rate and Follow-Up Care
- PVC ablation has a 80-90% success rate if the PVC source is clearly identified. However, success varies based on how many and types of PVCs identified during the procedure.
- In some cases, PVCs may persist, or additional sources may need further evaluation.
- Follow-up appointments are generally arranged in 3-6 months after the procedure to repeat PVC count.
- If symptoms return, contact our office to discuss further evaluation and treatment options.
For any concerns after the procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance.