Cardiac Ablation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Your heart has a special electrical system built into it that controls your heart rhythm. Sometimes there is a problem with this electrical system in the heart muscle. This problem may cause an arrhythmia (ah-RITH-mee-ah), or abnormal heart rhythm. If medicine does not correct the problem, or if you do not wish to take medicines long-term, you may need a cardiac ablation (ab-LAY-shun). An ablation may also be called a catheter ablation, or a radiofrequency ablation.
  
  
• An ablation procedure is usually done at the same time as an electrophysiology study. This test is used to "map out" the electrical pathways in your heart that control your heart rhythm. This test helps your doctor find the exact spot where the ablation needs to be done. During an ablation, energy is sent through a special catheter to the area of your heart that has the electrical problem. This energy causes a tiny area of the heart muscle to scar, stopping the electrical problem and allowing your heart to beat regularly. Ask your caregiver for more information about your heart problem, and tests and treatments that may be done for it.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Aspirin or blood thinners: Your caregiver may want you to take aspirin or another blood thinner for 2 to 4 weeks after your ablation. This is to keep blood clots from forming in your heart. Do not take more or less medicine than caregivers say to take. If caregivers tell you to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
  
  
• Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or soreness. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Home care:

• Activity: After your ablation, rest for one to two days. If the ablation catheter was put in your groin, avoid using stairs for a few days. When you must use stairs, step up with the leg that was not used for the ablation. Straighten this leg to move the other leg up to the next step without putting stress on it.
  
  
• Bathing and catheter site care:
  
  
  • You may need to keep the catheter site clean and dry for at least 24 hours after your ablation. Ask your caregiver if you may shower 24 hours after your ablation. (You may need to wait up to a week to take a tub bath, swim, or soak in water.) Once it is OK to shower, gently wash the catheter site with soap and water. If the site is oozing or bleeding slightly, place a small bandage over it to protect your clothes. Change the bandage daily, and more often if it gets wet or dirty. Once the site has stopped oozing, you may leave it uncovered. Do not lift anything weighing over ten pounds for five days after the ablation.
    
    
  • It is normal to have a bruise and soreness where the ablation catheter went in. Draw a line with a pen around the edges of the bruise. This will show you if the bruise starts to get bigger. Gravity may cause the bruise color to travel down your leg. If this happens, call your caregiver.
    
    
  • If the catheter site starts to bleed, use your hand to put pressure on the bandage. If you do not have a bandage, use a clean cloth to hold pressure over and just above the puncture site. It is better if someone else holds pressure for you. While holding pressure, call your caregiver. Hold the pressure for 30 minutes, even after the bleeding has stopped. After the bleeding has stopped, lie flat for at least an hour. If the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes of holding pressure, go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not walk, and do not drive yourself. If you are bleeding a lot, dial 911 or 0 (operator) to call an ambulance.
  
  
• Food and liquids: You may eat your usual diet when you get home. Drink plenty of liquids. Most people should drink at least eight (8-ounce) glasses of water each day. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink such as coffee, tea, and soda. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after the test. Follow your caregiver's advice if you need to change the amount of liquids that you drink.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• The catheter site becomes red, or has pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from it. This may mean it is infected.
  
  
• You have increasing pain at the catheter site. (It is normal to have some soreness, but this should get better, not worse.)
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your ablation, medicines, or health condition.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your leg or arm becomes numb (loses feeling), is very painful, or changes color.
  
  
• The bruise at the catheter site starts to get bigger or the area has new swelling.
  
  
• If you have any of the following, it is an emergency ! Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
  • The ablation catheter site is bleeding a lot or you cannot stop the bleeding.
    
    
  • You have signs of a stroke (brain attack). Having new weakness or trouble moving one side of your face or body may be signs of a stroke. Other signs include new trouble thinking or speaking clearly, and new changes in vision.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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