Once diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, if medications do not help you, your doctor may suggest an A-Fib catheter ablation. This procedure is performed by an electrophysiologist (heart rhythm doctor) in a well-equipped clinical environment (EP lab), located within The Heart Hospital.
A-Fib catheter ablation is an advanced, nonsurgical procedure used to eliminate the electrical signals that trigger atrial fibrillation. During this procedure, the electrophysiologist inserts special catheters inside your heart near the pulmonary veins. These catheters are able to detect electrical impulses from different parts of the heart, allowing the doctor to know exactly where the abnormal signals are coming from.
There are two types of A-Fib ablations performed: Radiofrequency (RF) Catheter Ablation and Cryoablation. With Radiofrequency Ablation, heat energy is sent through an ablation catheter to the precise location of the abnormal signals. The heating up (ablating) of small areas of heart tissue around each pulmonary vein blocks the abnormal electrical signals, returning the abnormal heart rhythm to normal sinus rhythm.
With Cryoablation, the Cryo Balloon Catheter delivers a refrigerant through an inflatable balloon to freeze tissue and disable unwanted electrical signals. This is done by a technique known as Pulmonary Vein Isolation. The cooling down (Cryoablation) of the targeted tissue, where the veins and the atria connect, prevents the spreading unwanted electrical signals, returning the abnormal heart rhythm to normal sinus rhythm.
Meet the A-Fib Doctors:
Chandra Kumbar, MD, MBA, FACC, FHRS