Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation
Cardiac Arrhythmia Ablation
Cardiac Device Implantation
What is SVT Ablation?
SVT ablation is a procedure used to treat abnormal fast heart rhythms originating above the ventricles. It involves using catheters to locate and eliminate the pathways responsible for triggering SVT. This procedure is highly effective, with a 95% success rate if the arrhythmia is identified. However, in some cases, no arrhythmia is found, and no ablation is performed.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- You will be awake during the procedure, though sedation can be provided for comfort. The procedure generally has a higher success rate when the patient is awake, as sedation can suppress arrhythmias, making them harder to detect.
- 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.
- The heart will be stimulated to identify abnormal electrical pathways and potential arrhythmia sources.
Risks Involved
While atrial flutter ablation is a well-tolerated and effective procedure, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.
- Pacemaker Implantation - There is a small risk of damage to the natural conduction fibers of the heart, in which case a permanent pacemaker implantation is required. The risk is approximately 1 in 50 or 1 in 100 patients.
- Minor bleeding at the groin site, which can typically be controlled by applying firm pressure for 30 minutes.
- Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, fluid around the heart - 1 in 500, and perhaps even less.
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Minor bruising or tenderness in the groin, which may take a few weeks to fully heal.
- If minor bleeding occurs at the catheter site, apply firm pressure for 30 minutes. If it persists, seek medical attention.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to the Emergency Room if you experience:
- Severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or increasing swelling in the groin where catheters were inserted.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Fainting episode
- Stroke-like symptoms such as changes in vision, inability to speak or understand speech, difficulty walking, or loss of function in arms or legs.
Follow-Up Care
You can follow up with your regular doctor and contact our office if you have any questions or if you would like to see one of our doctors for a repeat visit. This procedure is generally curative for SVT, and we do not routinely arrange a follow-up appointment with the arrhythmia specialist unless there are any concerns by you or your doctor.
If you experience recurrence of SVT symptoms, contact our office to arrange a follow-up appointment and treatment plan.
For any concerns after the procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to our office for guidance.