Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is also known as catheter ablation.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure used to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in heart tissues that causes cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Overview

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is also known as catheter ablation.

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure used to destroy abnormal electrical pathways in heart tissues that causes cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Symptoms

Pounding or rapid heartbeat
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Shortness of breath

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Pre-Procedure

The doctor will give a brief detail of what to eat or not 24 hours before the procedure.
The patient needs to be on NPO (no eating and drinking), for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure.
The doctor will advise stopping some medications patient is taking, such as blood thinners, herbal supplements, or anti-inflammations. Don’t stop taking any medicine until the doctor tells you to do so.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - During Procedure

This procedure will be performed in an electrophysiology laboratory as an Outpatient, using local anesthesia or conscious sedation anesthesia.
This procedure takes 2-4 hours.
The patient will receive medicine through IV to make the patient feel relaxed or drowsy.
A sheath (short plastic tube) will be placed into blood vessels.
The doctor will move one or more than one catheter through a vein to the heart.
A catheter will be placed next to the heart cells, creating abnormal electric signals.
The tip of the catheter sends RF energy to destroy the abnormal cells in that area.
This will bring the heart back to a normal rhythm.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) - Post-Procedure

Keep watch for swelling or bleeding at the catheter site.
Contact the doctor if feels severe fatigue or chest discomfort, or continues beyond the first few weeks.
Avoid intense activity, such as climbing stairs, running, or heavy weight lifting.
Take short walks of 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day.
Do proper care of the catheter site.