Can you tell me about a procedure where cells are identified in the heart that are erratically triggering signals that result in afibrillation and another condition described as fluttering ? The procedure I think it s called oblation (sp?) is done by inserting an instrument intravenously and routing it to mapped locations in the heart to burn these cells out with the intent of normalizing the electrical signals to the heart. I am concerned with the risks that are inherent to this procedure and any othe information in deciding to choose this route as both of these conditions exist in my heart, sometimes simultaneously.
Hello and thanks for writing. I can understand your concern and would try to help you in the best possible way. The procedure is called Radio Frequency Ablation(RFA). It is done by getting intravascular access just like an angiography. But instead of injecting a dye, a transducer is inserted and various areas of the cardiac conduction tissues are stimulated and ECG is observed. If it feels show some abnormal discharge it is recorded in the ECG and the area is ablated by radio waves. It is done as a permanent cure for various types or cardiac arrhythmias like Fib, WPW and others. I advise you to get in touch with your cardiologist and discuss with him regarding the procedure if it is necessary in your case or not. I would not be able to comment whether it is right for you to go for the procedure as I have your limited medical history with me. So your cardiologist would be a better guy to comment about it.