Catheter ablation is a procedure to treat heart rhythm disorders called cardiac arrhythmias.
When you choose UPMC in Central Pa. for your catheter ablation, you will receive expert care from some of the region’s most experienced cardiologists who treat all types of irregular heart rhythms.
Our physicians perform hundreds of catheter ablation procedures each year using the latest technology and techniques. And, if you require additional cardiovascular care, the specialists at UPMC in Central Pa. have the skills and experience needed to perform advanced cardiovascular procedures and offer you the latest treatment options.
Catheter ablation is commonly done to treat fast heart rhythms, or tachycardia. During catheter ablation, a catheter is inserted into the part of your heart that is causing the fast heartbeat. The catheter releases either radiofrequency electrical energy or super-cooled nitrous oxide to scar or destroy the tissue that is causing your fast heartbeat. A specially trained doctor called an electrophysiologist performs catheter ablation in an electrophysiology lab.
Catheters that record electrical activity are inserted into a vein, typically through your groin, and guided to your heart. These special catheters monitor electrical signals in your heart and deliver the energy required to perform the ablation. Your medical team will use a computerized mapping system to help them find the source of the abnormal electrical signals.
Catheter ablation usually takes 1-4 hours. Other medical procedures, such as cardioversion/defibrillation, transseptal puncture, or intra-cardiac ultrasound, may be performed at the same time.
After the catheters are removed, your medical team will apply pressure to the insertion site for several minutes to help stop the bleeding. You must remain lying down for 4-6 hours and refrain from moving the limb where the catheter was inserted. Your medical team will need to monitor your blood pressure and check the insertion site frequently, so you will need to remain in the hospital for several hours, or possibly overnight. It is very important that you follow your discharge instructions and take good care of your insertion site to prevent complications.
Talk to your doctor about when you can resume normal activities or return to work. You may be instructed not to drive for a certain amount of time after the procedure, so you may need to arrange for someone to drive you home. It also is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended. You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
The UPMC Central PA Portal provides patients with convenient and secure access to their health information right at their fingertips. View test results. Get virtual care. Message your care team. Schedule and manage appointments. And much more.
Log-In or Sign Up TodayWhen it comes to health care for you and your family, UPMC is here. It's easy to find the right doctor, health screenings, programs, classes, and more.
Contact UPMC in central Pa.Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
