Catheter Ablation
Minimally invasive catheter ablation to treat abnormal heart rhythms — including atrial fibrillation, SVT and ventricular tachycardia.
What is It?
Catheter Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) by targeting and eliminating the small areas of heart tissue responsible for causing electrical disturbances. It is performed using thin, flexible tubes (catheters) passed through the blood vessels to the heart — without the need for open-heart surgery.
At One Heart Centre, our electrophysiologists (heart rhythm specialists) have expert training in performing catheter ablation for a wide range of arrhythmias, using the most advanced mapping and ablation technology available.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may recommend Catheter Ablation to:
- Treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- Treat atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter
- Treat certain ventricular arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms from the lower chambers)
- Improve symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, breathlessness or fainting
- Reduce or eliminate the need for long-term anti-arrhythmic medications
- Improve quality of life and reduce hospital admissions related to rhythm disorders
For many patients, catheter ablation offers the possibility of long-term or even permanent heart rhythm control.
What Does the Test Involve?
The procedure is performed in a specialised hospital electrophysiology laboratory under sedation or general anaesthesia, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout.
Thin catheters are inserted through a vein in the groin and guided to the heart using X-ray and advanced 3D electroanatomical mapping technology. Your electrophysiologist carefully identifies the precise source of the abnormal rhythm and delivers controlled energy (radiofrequency heat or cryotherapy freezing) to modify or eliminate the faulty electrical pathway.
The procedure usually takes 2–4 hours, depending on the type and complexity of the arrhythmia being treated. After the procedure, the catheters are removed and the access site is monitored. Most patients stay in hospital one night and return home the following day.
What are the Benefits?
- Highly effective treatment for many types of heart rhythm disorders
- Can permanently correct abnormal heart rhythms in many cases
- Reduces or eliminates the need for long-term anti-arrhythmic medication
- Significant improvement in symptoms, exercise tolerance and quality of life
- Minimally invasive with faster recovery than surgical alternatives