Catheter ablation treats abnormal heart rhythms by destroying the tiny area of tissue that triggers or sustains them. A catheter is guided through a vein to the heart, and energy, either heat (radiofrequency) or cold (cryoablation), is applied to create a small scar that blocks the faulty signal.

Patients searching for a heart specialist in Mumbai for rhythm problems at Apex are first assessed with ECG, Holter monitoring and echocardiography. Ablation is considered for conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and some ventricular rhythms, particularly when medicines fail or are not tolerated. Blood thinners may be needed before and after, especially in atrial fibrillation.

The procedure is carried out under sedation or general anaesthesia and usually lasts two to four hours. Wires first map the heart's electrical activity, and treatment follows. Patients typically stay overnight, avoid heavy lifting for several days and attend follow-up visits with rhythm monitoring. Some people need a repeat procedure, and atrial fibrillation in particular can return.

How the Procedure Can Help

It can cure some rhythm disorders and reduce symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness and fatigue, often lowering the need for long-term medicines.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include bleeding, damage to blood vessels, fluid around the heart, stroke, injury to nearby structures such as the food pipe, damage to the heart's conduction system that may need a pacemaker, and recurrence. Fever, chest pain, difficulty swallowing or sudden weakness afterwards needs urgent attention.