Ablation Therapy for Arrhythmias (cont.)
What Happens After Catheter Ablation?
- The doctor will remove the catheters from your groin
and apply pressure to the site to prevent bleeding. You will be on bed rest
for one to six hours. Keep your legs as still as possible during this time to
prevent bleeding.
- After your procedure, you will be admitted to the
hospital. You will be taken to your room and a special monitor, called
telemetry, will be used to follow your heart rate and rhythm. Telemetry
consists of a small box connected by wires to your chest with sticky electrode
patches. The box causes your heart rhythm to be displayed on several monitors
on the nursing unit. The nurses will be able to observe your heart rate and
rhythm. In most cases, you will be able to go home the next day after the
catheter ablation procedure.
- You and your family will receive the results of the
procedure after the procedure. Your doctor will also discuss when you can
resume activities and how often you will need to visit your doctor.
- Temporarily, many individuals experience heart palpitations on and off for a few
weeks after the procedure. Sometimes you may also feel as if your abnormal
heart rhythm is returning, but then it stops. These sensations are normal and
you should not be alarmed. But, if you feel as if your abnormal heart rhythm
has recurred, call your doctor.
- You may be required to take medications to treat or control your
abnormal rhythm after the procedure until the scars created in the
heart heal. Healing after surgery takes 6-8 weeks.
If you have any other questions, please ask your doctor or nurse. Ask
your health care provider how often you will need to go for follow-up
appointments.
How Should I Care for the Wound Site?
You will have a small sterile dressing on your wound. It may be
removed the next day. Keep the area clean and dry.
Call your doctor if you notice any redness, swelling or drainage at
the incision site.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, June 2004, WebMD.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 2/25/2005
- Pacemaker - Learn about the pacemaker - an electronic device used to treat patients with abnormally slow or irregular heartbeats on MedicineNet.com
- Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat) - Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm) symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Learn how to recognize the warning signs and treatment of arrhythmia on MedicineNet.com.
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