Radiofrequency ablation of the heart: contraindications, complications and patient feedback

The heart is one of the most important organs in our body. Any violations in his work can significantly worsen the quality of human life, and even completely lead to a fatal outcome. Often in patients there is a violation of the heart rhythm - an arrhythmia. With such a disease, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is successfully used.

How a healthy heart works

In the normal state, the heart generates specific impulses, under the influence of which the heart muscle contraction occurs. At the same time, the upper and lower chambers are compressed. Each subsequent impact occurs after a certain period of time. Usually a healthy person can count from 60 to 80 cuts per minute. In a quiet state, their number decreases, and with physical exertion, strong emotional experiences increase. As a rule, the correct work of the heart remains unnoticed for a person.

Arrhythmia. Its varieties

For various reasons, one can observe either increased heart rate, or, on the contrary, slowed down his work. The following types of arrhythmia are distinguished. Palpitation - with the reduction of the body intensified. If the heart rate has a tendency to decrease, then they speak of a bradycardia. Another type of abnormality is tachycardia. It can be sinus (it is characterized by the fact that the contractions are steadily increasing) and paroxysmal (sudden increase in the number of strokes). Diagnose also extrasystole (the heart is shortened prematurely or out of turn). At a ciliary arrhythmia the rhythm of heartbeat is chaotic and disorderly.

Arrhythmia treatment methods

After the specialist has collected all the necessary tests for diagnosis, he prescribes appropriate therapy. First of all, drug treatment is used. But if the disturbances of the heart rhythm bear a direct threat to human life, the doctor may propose a pacemaker device. It is implanted in the cardiac muscle and is programmed with the help of certain manipulations to the desired number of heartbeats. A cardioverter-defibrillator can also be implanted. However, the most modern method of arrhythmia treatment is radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Testimonials of experts testify to its high efficiency. In addition, when it is carried out, the cause of the irregular heartbeat is completely eliminated.

History of the origin of the methodology

Radiofrequency ablation of the heart was first performed in the 1980s. At the first manipulations of this kind, a site was created artificially with dead tissues of the myocardium using a laser or electrical impulses. Its location was chosen so that it contained nerve endings, responsible for the transmission of the signal between the atria and ventricles. Thus, the impulse that was associated with the relaxation of the organ was blocked. The next task was the invention of a method in which no damage was caused to surrounding tissues, and the effect on the myocardium was dosed. Thus, radiofrequency ablation of the heart was carried out using a point electrode. At the same time, there was no change in tissues in the area that was located nearby. Her ability to carry out impulses persisted. To date, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is carried out in Moscow and other Russian cities, this method is widely spread abroad.

Indications and contraindications for ablation

This method is widely used in the presence of diseases such as ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, in which they have one rhythm, and the ventricles are different. Also, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is carried out with a decrease in cardiac output, augmentation of the heart. Apply this method with insufficient effectiveness of drug treatment or when there are limitations to its use.

But every surgical intervention has its own contraindications. The radiofrequency ablation of the heart is not an exception. Experts say that it is undesirable in patients with a serious condition of the patient, the presence of inflammatory processes in the heart, violations in the work of the kidneys and a fairly low level of hemoglobin in the blood. Also, contraindications are elevated temperature (against the background of increased risk of complications). If a patient has high blood pressure, respiratory failure, the doctor will undoubtedly postpone the procedure.

Heart surgery ablation. Preparation and methodology

Operative intervention is carried out in a planned manner. During preparation, hair should be removed in the groin and subclavian area. 12 hours before the scheduled time, you must stop eating. It is also worth to cleanse the intestines. A few days before ablation, the doctor cancels the drugs that were used to improve the heart rate. Before the procedure, a diabetic patient should consult a doctor about taking insulin. Operative intervention in the X-ray operating room is performed. First of all, the introduction of anesthesia. Then a catheter is delivered (with a puncture of the femoral vein or artery is necessary). All the time, X-ray inspection is carried out. Depending on what causes the disturbance of the heart rhythm, a place is chosen for ablation. The summed up radio frequency pulses warm up myocardial tissues to 60 ºС. Occurs necrosis of the site. After some time (about 20 minutes), the doctor evaluates the result achieved by such a procedure as radiofrequency ablation of the heart. If it suits him, then the catheters are removed and the operation is completed.

Radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Complications

This method of arrhythmia treatment is quite safe and less traumatic. Problems can occur in less than 1% of patients. But still, the radiofrequency ablation of the heart complications can have the following: cardiac tamponade, damage to its walls or valves, pneumothorax, thromboses. Also, injuries to the esophagus and arteries are possible. You can observe and hematomas in the area of the puncture. Another type of complication is an allergic reaction to contrast agents, which are used for X-ray examination. With catheter manipulation, there is a risk of infection. Despite all this, there are a number of undoubted merits that characterize the radiofrequency ablation of the heart. The patients' testimonies testify to the low traumatism of the procedure, the short duration of the operation, and a small recovery period.

Rehabilitation after ablation

After ablation of the heart, the patient is shown bed rest for a period of up to 24 hours. The period of observation in the hospital is quite short. The work of the circulatory system is not disrupted. Since the operation is not traumatic, the pain is not felt, there is no need to take special pain medications, the heart rhythm gradually comes back to normal. It is also important that the skin does not leave postoperative scars, so that the cosmetological effect is also present. Thus, the most effective way to treat cardiac arrhythmias is radiofrequency ablation of the heart. The patients' comments indicate that this manipulation significantly improves well-being and contributes to long years of life. Re-holding it is necessary only in isolated cases, but nevertheless it is necessary to pay special attention to your way of life. Refusal of smoking, alcohol, caffeine will bear fruit. Also it is necessary to reduce the use of salt. But moderate exercise is desirable.