SVT Ablation Procedure: Why Is It Done, Risks, Precautions
Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT ablation, is a medical treatment done when a patient has rapid and often regular heart rhythms. It is done when medicines are not easing the health condition or are leaving side effects. However, in some special cases, SVT ablation may become a first-line treatment as well if the patient prefers that.
Why is Supraventricular Tachycardia Treatment Needed?
Generally, cells send signals at regular intervals to heart chambers. A normal heart has a system consisting of a series of fibers or living “wires” that control heart rhythm. In some cases, the fibers can create a small loop, disrupting the normal rhythm.
SVT ablation is done when the normal rhythm is disturbed and the patient suffers from an abnormally fast rate of heartbeat. A specialized medical catheter goes into the heart to find the fiber loop. It then tries to interrupt the loop to prevent abnormal heartbeat rate.
Generally, medical professionals use some catheters that use radiofrequency. It heats the loop, which leads to a small scar. Alternatively, they can use catheters that utilize cold nitric oxide to freeze the loop, which leaves a small scar. Your doctor will choose the right technology for your case.
When will your doctor recommend SVT Ablation?
Your cardiologist may recommend SVT heart ablation if any of the following conditions are causing an erratic and fast heart rhythm:
- AVNRT or Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
- Atrial Tachycardia
- Atrial Flutter
- AVRT or Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (antidromic or orthodromic)
Patients with chronic heart disease or a high risk of heart-related complications are generally recommended SVT ablation to avoid any medical risks. It is also the best-proven treatment for children.
SVT Ablation Procedure: Basic Details
Pre-SVT heart Ablation precautions
Doctors recommend fasting from six to eight hours before the SVT ablation procedure; both eating and drinking shall be prohibited during this duration. They may also stop any regular medications that patients take for other medical conditions.
What exactly happens during an SVT ablation procedure
A medical professional will take the patient to an electrophysiology lab where they give pain medicine and an IV.
- They will pierce the skin in the groin area to put a catheter into blood vessels carefully.
- Thereafter, they insert an electrical catheter.
- The catheter is pushed to the heart.
- A diagnostic study is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
- It sends signals through the catheter and searches for abnormal electrical circuits.
- Then it either freezes the cells using nitric oxide or heats the loop up through radiofrequency (depending on the type of catheter).
Is SVT heart ablation painful?
You may experience slight pain during catheter placement, but this will be minimized by using lidocaine, an anesthetic injection used to numb the specific groin area where the catheter is inserted.
So, the answer is overall no major pain but mild discomfort.
Risks or Side Effects of SVT Ablation Procedure
The side effects are rare with SVT ablation. In some rare cases, complications may occur and can include:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Cardiac tamponade
- Blood pooling or Hematoma
- General reaction to anesthesia
- Damage to the conduction system (It is extremely rare and may need a pacemaker for treatment)
Ensure you visit a reliable healthcare professional for SVT ablation in Abu Dhabi or Dubai to avoid any potential risks after SVT ablation.
When You Should Consult the Doctor
In case you notice unusual bleeding or swelling around your wound, contact your doctor immediately. Here are some other reasons that may require medical attention:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Bruising or swelling
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme stomachache or upset stomach
- Numbness in the concerned leg
Any of these aftereffects are less likely to occur if the SVT ablation is done carefully by well qualified professionals; hence, take your time and choose experienced and qualified doctors for SVT ablation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can always get a procedure done by Dr. Moutaz El Kadri. With more than 15 years of experience in cardiac electrophysiology, Dr. El Kadri is known to be one of the best heart rhythm experts in the UAE.
FAQs
How long does it take to recover from an SVT ablation?
SVT ablation procedure doesn’t restrict patients as they get back to normal within the same day. However, it is ideal to rest for at least few days after the surgery, especially before resuming physically demanding chores.
How long does it take to perform an SVT ablation surgery?
In general, SVT heart ablation lasts from 2-3 hours. However, doctors may need longer time in some rare cases.
Is the SVT ablation procedure a major surgery?
Catheter ablation is not a major surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique to treat abnormal heart rhythm.
Will I stay awake during SVT ablation?
Some people are slightly sedated, while others are put in a sleep-like state. Sedation depends on the overall health of the patient and the type of irregular heart rhythm.
What should I do after SVT heart ablation?
The procedure isn’t restrictive; you can resume back to normal life within few days. However, it is advised to take rest for a week and indulge in heavy physical activities after at least few days.
If you feel any discomfort in your chest or palpitations, it is better to rest for a few days and consult your doctor.
