Catheter Ablation

Dr. Patibandla is one of the few Zero Fluro operators in the world

Cardiac catheter ablation is a procedure performed in the Cath lab at a hospital. The catheters or wires (2-3 catheters typically) with special sensors are placed intravenously, usually through a small incision in the groin, and advanced to several positions within the heart. These catheters are used to record the electrical impulses of the heart and stimulate it if necessary. These catheters can be manipulated throughout the heart in an attempt to identify the precise location from which an arrhythmia originates. Since most arrhythmias require a specific and usually small area of the heart in order to begin or continue, localization of these key, but vulnerable sites, could lead to elimination of the arrhythmia.

If these sites are identified, a catheter is moved to this area of the heart. The tip of a specially designed catheter can be used to deliver high frequency radiofrequency (RF), energy. This energy heats up the adjacent tissue to the point of coagulation. The amount of tissue heated, however, is quite small. But if it includes the critical area for arrhythmia formation, this tissue can be permanently made nonfunctional and thus incapable of causing an arrhythmia. This procedure may require an overnight hospital stay. In past, EPs have been limited to the use of continuous X-ray or fluoroscopy to guide the catheter to the heart. However, technological advances have offered the opportunity to eliminate the use of radiation using a technique known as ZERO FLUORO CATHETER ABLATION. Zero fluoro catheter ablation is similar to what is described above, except no X-ray use to aid in catheter delivery to the heart. Rather we use advanced mapping technology and ultrasound. There are ongoing evaluations of lifetime X-ray/ CT scan radiation exposure and cancer risks to patients and the new ZERO FLUORO ABLATIONS eliminate the X-ray needs and therefore the cumulative radiation exposure. Dr. Patibandla is one of the few operators performing these ablations without X-ray needs.

Results of A Catheter Ablation

The anticipated results of the procedure depend somewhat on the nature of the arrhythmia targeted. For the most common arrhythmias, the procedural success rate by experienced EPs is in the range of 90-99%. The risks of the procedure are generally small and often only related to intravenous puncture. Serious cardiac complications are uncommon but can occur. These will be discussed during a consultation with Dr. Patibandla.