Radiofrequency ablation heart

Radiofrequency ablation (or, as it is called, catheter) is a very important operation in cardiac surgery. RFA is performed in cases where the person has complicated atrial fibrillation.

This procedure is a minimally invasive treatment method, so as to accomplish not need to perform the cut.

The history of

RFA began its development in the 80 years of the twentieth century. It was then that S. Huang, together with his colleagues conducted experiments on dogs. They used radio frequency energy to the violation of the integrity of the electrical connection between the Atria and the ventricles. This was done by a special catheter electrode.

The experiments were successful, and in 1987, catheter ablation was performed the first patient. From that moment began the history of the development of ablation – one of the most effective procedures to eliminate arrhythmia.

Indications for

Radiofrequency ablation of the heart is not a procedure which can choose the patient for their treatment. The doctor decides when it should apply the operation. The indications for its implementation:

• unsatisfactory results when used for medical treatment;
• the appearance of side effects when taking medication;
• very big chance of a sudden cardiac arrest.

The procedure catheter ablation has many contraindications. These include:

• constant temperature of the body;
• constant hypertension;
• problems with light;
• strong sensitivity to iodine;
• renal failure;
• poor blood clotting.

However, there are contraindications, in which RFA should be deferred until remission or a complete cure. These include:

• infectious diseases;
• fever;
• anemia.

Preparation for RFA

To after or during the RFA did not have any complications, the patient must undergo a series of tests. These include:

• a blood test. It is held on a group and RH factor of blood. There are tests to establish the presence or absence of hepatitis b and C, human immunodeficiency virus. Another test for the presence of syphilis;
• ECG;
• stress test;
• Echo;
• magnetic resonance imaging of the heart.

3. After the introduction of the catheters the doctor will place them in the chambers of the heart. When it is complete, the catheters are connected to equipment that records ECG signals. This process allows you to establish the cause of the impulse, which is the source of the arrhythmia. If necessary, your doctor may do special tests to induce arrhythmia.

4. To perform ablation through AV-knot or any other Department source of rhythm. Afterthe electrode affects the tissue of the heart, they will begin to warm and reach a temperature of 40C. This heating provokes the appearance of micro-scar and artificial AV-blockade.

5. To maintain the artificially created AV-blockade, the doctor uses the previously entered electrodes.

6. To understand the procedure gives positive results or not, an ECG is performed again. If the results of electrocardiological researches it was found that the result is not satisfactory, the doctor may implant a pacemaker. If the results are positive, the operation will be complete. In this case, the doctor extracts from patient catheters and electrodes.