A professor of medicine at Stanford University, Sanjiv M. Narayan, M.D. is an established and renowned cardiologist. At Stanford, he serves as the director of electrophysiology research and the atrial fibrillation program. Having previously completed research in San Diego, Sanjiv Narayan Ph.D. has published extensively in professional publications on various topics, including cardiac ablation.
Cardiac ablation is a common treatment option for atrial fibrillation and other irregular heartbeat conditions. Most often, it is performed using a thin and flexible tube called a catheter. This catheter delivers hot or cold energy to the veins and arteries to create small scars in the heart. The presence of these scars blocks abnormal electrical signals, thus restoring a normal heartbeat. Cardiac ablation can also be performed during surgery.
The entire procedure takes about two to three hours, depending on the specific method being used. The majority of patients can return home the same day the procedure is performed. However, those who have preexisting conditions are often kept in the hospital for monitoring.
After returning home, patients may experience some discomfort. This includes sore throats from intubation, excessive bruising at the procedure’s access site, and stiffness in the lower back when lying down for extended periods of time. Some patients also experience mild chest discomfort caused by inflammation in the area. This discomfort does not last long and is easily manageable with medications.
Patients who receive cardiac ablation return to work after three to four days unless they have a strenuous job, like nursing. For strenuous jobs, patients should wait two weeks. They can also return to driving after 48 hours since the anesthesia is fully flushed from the body by that point.
Cardiac ablation is a common treatment option for atrial fibrillation and other irregular heartbeat conditions. Most often, it is performed using a thin and flexible tube called a catheter. This catheter delivers hot or cold energy to the veins and arteries to create small scars in the heart. The presence of these scars blocks abnormal electrical signals, thus restoring a normal heartbeat. Cardiac ablation can also be performed during surgery.
The entire procedure takes about two to three hours, depending on the specific method being used. The majority of patients can return home the same day the procedure is performed. However, those who have preexisting conditions are often kept in the hospital for monitoring.
After returning home, patients may experience some discomfort. This includes sore throats from intubation, excessive bruising at the procedure’s access site, and stiffness in the lower back when lying down for extended periods of time. Some patients also experience mild chest discomfort caused by inflammation in the area. This discomfort does not last long and is easily manageable with medications.
Patients who receive cardiac ablation return to work after three to four days unless they have a strenuous job, like nursing. For strenuous jobs, patients should wait two weeks. They can also return to driving after 48 hours since the anesthesia is fully flushed from the body by that point.
