Catheter Ablation

What is an Catheter Ablation?

Catheter ablation is an invasive procedure performed in a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory. It is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by identifying and eliminating faulty electrical pathways in the heart.

Ablation may be recommended for patients with conditions such as:

Atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

The procedure works by delivering controlled energy (usually heat or cold) through a catheter to the affected area of heart tissue. This disrupts the abnormal electrical signals and helps restore a normal heart rhythm.

What to expect before your procedure

Please note this booklet provides general information about your procedure. The hospital booking team will contact you prior to your procedure with personalised instructions specific to your medical history.

Before

Your Cardiologist may request blood tests, including:

You may be asked to stop taking certain medications.

You are required to fast for 6 hours prior to your procedure.

If you are diabetic, please contact us for specific instructions.

Please pack an overnight bag in case you are required to stay overnight for observation.

You must stop taking the following blood-thinning medications 24 hours before your procedure (unless otherwise advised):

Apixaban (Eliquis)

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

If you are taking Warfarin, please inform the team and personalised advice will be provided.

On the day of your procedure

Make transport arrangements to and from the hospital as you won’t be able to drive after the procedure.

Arrive at the Hospital at least two hours prior to your procedure.

During the procedure

The procedure is performed in a Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory.

You will receive sedation or general anaesthetic, as advised by your medical team.

Small incisions are made, usually in the groin, to allow catheters to be inserted into blood vessels.

The catheters are guided to the heart using imaging technology.

Electrical mapping is performed to identify the abnormal pathway.

Controlled energy is delivered to the targeted area to eliminate the faulty electrical signals.

The catheters are removed and pressure is applied to prevent bleeding.

Post procedure care & discharge information

If you are discharged on the same day as your procedure, ensure someone is able to stay overnight with you.

A full report will be sent to your Doctor regarding the results of your procedure.

Drink plenty of fluids to promote recovery.

Do not drive for 48 hours after your procedure.

Do not participate in strenuous activities such as; sports, housework, heavy lifting etc for at least 2 days.

Contact our rooms on 08 9389 8658 to book a post procedure follow up for 4 to 6 weeks’ time (or according to the instructions given to you by your cardiologist).

Important information

Please seek URGENT medical care by visiting your closest Emergency Department if you experience any of the following:

Chest pain or shortness of breath that does not go away with rest

Fever or chills

Bleeding or new bruising or swelling at the incision/catheter site

Light headedness or vision impairments.

Increasing pain or discomfort.

Any feeling of numbness, tingling, change in skin colour or weakness that develops in your legs.

Important Contact Information

Should you have any queries relating to your procedure, patient care or hospital admission, please contact our office on:
p. 08 9389 8658 – press option 1 and 2
OR
email: hospital.bookings@accesscardiology.com.au