Catheter ablation is a procedure designed to correct heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias). It works by scarring or destroying tissue in the heart that triggers or sustains an abnormal heart rhythm. By creating precise lesions, it blocks the pathways of faulty electrical signals, aiming to restore a normal heart rhythm and reduce symptoms and long-term risks like stroke.
Verdict
A highly effective, evidence-based treatment for specific cardiac arrhythmias.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Foundational
RISK LEVEL
High
EVIDENCE GRADE
A
MONTHLY COST
$20000 - $50000
Protocol
- A single, minimally invasive procedure performed by an electrophysiologist in a hospital setting.
- Catheters are guided through blood vessels to the heart to deliver energy (heat or cold) to specific tissue.
- A repeat procedure may be necessary in a subset of patients if the arrhythmia recurs.
Flags
- Procedure carries risks of bleeding, infection, and blood clots at the catheter insertion site.
- Major potential complications include stroke, damage to the heart's electrical system requiring a pacemaker, and cardiac tamponade (fluid buildup around the heart).
- A rare but life-threatening complication is atrio-esophageal fistula.
- Requires significant expertise from a cardiac electrophysiologist for optimal outcomes.