Electric catheter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat and correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. This technique involves the use of a catheter, a thin flexible tube, which is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart.
During the procedure, the catheter emits electric energy to precisely target and destroy abnormal cells responsible for causing the arrhythmia. These cells may be located in specific areas of the heart, such as the atria or ventricles, and are responsible for disrupting the heart's normal electrical signaling.
The electric energy delivered by the catheter can take different forms, including radiofrequency energy or cryoablation (extreme cold). Radiofrequency energy heats the tissue to disrupt the abnormal cells, while cryoablation freezes and destroys the cells. Both methods aim to create scar tissue that will prevent abnormal electrical signals from being transmitted.
Electric catheter ablation is often used to treat various types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular tachycardia. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia and typically requires a short hospital stay. The success rate of electric catheter ablation varies depending on the specific arrhythmia being treated and the experience of the medical team.
Overall, electric catheter ablation is a valuable therapeutic option for those suffering from certain types of arrhythmias, providing an effective and relatively safe means to restore normal heart rhythm and improve the quality of life for patients.
