Cardiac Ablation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about cardiac ablation:
A cardiac ablation is a procedure to treat an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart rhythm is controlled by electrical pathways. During cardiac ablation, energy is sent to the area of your heart that has an electrical problem. The energy causes a tiny area of the heart muscle to scar. This stops the electrical problem and allows your heart to beat regularly.
How to prepare for cardiac ablation:
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. Your provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
- Tell your provider about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may need to take blood thinner medicine to prevent blood clots.
- You may need blood and urine tests before your procedure. These tests show how well your kidneys are functioning and your blood is clotting. You may also need a chest x-ray, EKG, or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). These tests will check your heart function and help your provider plan your procedure.
What will happen during cardiac ablation:
- You will be given local anesthesia to numb the procedure area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing, but you should not feel any pain.
- One or more catheters will be put into a blood vessel in your groin or neck. X-rays will be taken to help your healthcare provider guide the catheter through your blood vessels to your heart. You may also have an electrophysiology (EP) study. This is a test used to map the electrical pathways in your heart that control your heart rhythm. It helps your provider find the exact spot where the ablation needs to be done.
- After the catheter is placed, small amounts of energy will be sent to the tip of the catheter. The energy may use heat, extreme cold, radiofrequency waves, or electrical pulses. This will form a small scar line to prevent extra heartbeats.
- When the procedure is done, the catheters will be removed, but the sheaths (outer tubes) may be left in until the blood thinner has worn off.
What to expect after cardiac ablation:
- You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. They will check the catheter insertion site regularly for bleeding. You will also have EKG monitoring done to check your heart rate and rhythm. You may need to lie flat and keep your leg straight for several hours after the procedure. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay.
- You may be able to go home when providers see you are okay. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
Risks of cardiac ablation:
The catheter may cause bleeding around your heart, or damage your esophagus, stomach, or nerves. The veins that carry blood from your lungs to your heart could become narrowed. You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. You may develop a life-threatening blood clot. Even with treatment, your heart rhythm problem may come back, or you may need another procedure.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You cough up blood.
- You have a seizure.
- You have trouble thinking or speaking clearly.
- You become weak on one side of your face or body.
- You feel short of breath or have chest pain.
Related medications
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- The bruise at the catheter site starts to get bigger, or the area has new swelling.
- Your heartbeat is fast or irregular.
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You feel lightheaded or faint.
Call your doctor or cardiologist if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your catheter site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have a cough that does not go away.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Blood thinners help prevent blood clots. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Many types of blood thinners are available. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions for the type you are given. The following are general safety guidelines to follow while you are taking a blood thinner:
- Watch for bleeding and bruising. Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose. Watch for blood in your urine and bowel movements. Use a soft washcloth on your skin, and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. This can keep your skin and gums from bleeding. If you shave, use an electric shaver. Do not play contact sports.
- Tell your dentist and other healthcare providers that you take a blood thinner. Wear a bracelet or necklace that says you take this medicine.
- Do not start or stop any other medicines or supplements unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Many medicines and supplements cannot be used with blood thinners.
- Take your blood thinner exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip a dose or take less than prescribed. Tell your provider right away if you forget to take your blood thinner, or if you take too much.
- Antiarrhythmics help slow your heartbeat and make it more regular.
- Steroids decrease inflammation.
- Antiulcer medicine helps decrease the amount of acid that is normally made by the stomach. You may need to take this medicine to help the lining of your stomach heal or to prevent an ulcer.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the catheter site as directed:
Carefully wash your catheter insertion site as directed. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. You may shower 24 hours after your procedure, or as directed. Do not soak in a tub or use very hot water until your provider says it is okay.
Holter monitor:
You may need to use a Holter monitor to check your heart rate and rhythm at home. Ask how and when to use it. If you have questions, ask your healthcare provider for more information about Holter monitors.
 |
Activity:
Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can go back to your usual daily activities. Until then, do not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds or climb stairs. Follow all other instructions from your healthcare provider, such as playing sports or returning to work.
Follow up with your doctor or cardiologist as directed:
You will need regular blood clotting tests to monitor your blood thinner medicines. You will also need EKGs to check your heart rate and rhythm. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 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.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.