Percutaneous catheter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders, particularly those related to abnormal electrical signals causing irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. It involves the insertion of a special catheter, a long, thin tube, through a small incision in the skin and into a blood vessel.
The catheter is guided through the blood vessels, usually into the heart, using imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or echocardiography. Once the catheter is positioned, it emits radiofrequency energy or other sources of energy, such as extreme cold or laser, to create a purposeful scar or destroy specific areas of abnormal heart tissue responsible for the arrhythmia.
The goal of percutaneous catheter ablation is to interfere with the abnormal electrical signals in order to restore normal heart rhythm. The procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, and the patient may be awake or sedated throughout the process.
Percutaneous catheter ablation has proven to be an effective treatment for various types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, and atrial flutter. It offers several advantages compared to other treatment options, such as medication or surgery, as it can potentially provide long-lasting relief from symptoms and reduce the need for ongoing medication use.
However, percutaneous catheter ablation is not without risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, damage to blood vessels or heart structures, and the possibility of recurrence. The procedure requires expertise and careful evaluation of each patient's condition to determine its appropriateness and whether alternative treatment options should be considered.
