Atrioventricular (AV)
What is the procedure:
Destroying a small area of tissue using radiofrequency energy (heat) to prevent the atria from sending faulty electrical impulses.
Treatment for: Atrial Fibrillation
Type of procedure: Minimally invasive
Recovery time: Can take several weeks
Duration: About 2-3 hours
Hospital stay: Typically a few days
What to expect during procedure:
- ECG monitoring electrodes are attached to the chest.
- An intravenous line and a blood pressure cuff may be attached to the arm. A local anesthetic is given.
- A catheter is inserted through a vein, usually in the groin, and is guided up to the AV node using X- ray.
- The AV node is destroyed by passing heat (radiofrequency energy). This prevents the faulty impulses from reaching the ventricles.
- If a pacemaker is not already placed, it is implanted in the upper chest under the skin. Ablation causes a drop in the heart rate, so a pacemaker is needed to stimulate a faster heartbeat when necessary.
Risks and Complications:
Risks and complications are rare and may include:
- Damage to the blood vessel through which the catheter is inserted
- Local bleeding, formation of a blood clot or blood collection (hematoma)
- Dislodging of the pacemaker lead
- Puncture in the heart wall leading to fluid buildup around the heart
