Ablation (also known as catheter ablation)

This treatment aims to try and control or correct an abnormal heart rhythm.

Ablation is carried out using the same technique that is used for doing an electrophysiology (EP) study. Many people have an EP study and ablation done at the same time.

During an EP study the doctors are trying to find out the cause or trigger of the abnormal heart rhythm.

Once they find this out, they may be able to use radiofrequency energy to ablate (destroy) the affected area inside the heart which is causing the abnormal hearth rhythm. This helps to block the abnormal electrical impulses in this part of the heart.

The procedure is done under local anesthetic and with sedation. It may take a few hours, so it can be uncomfortable. The sedative or anaesthetic will help ease any discomfort.

What happens after the test?

When the test is over, the catheters are removed. Sometimes there may be a small amount of bleeding when they are taken out. A nurse or doctor will press on the area for a short while to stop bleeding.

After the procedure, you will need to stay lying down to rest for a few hours. Most people will need to stay in hospital overnight. You may feel tired afterwards, but you should feel back to normal within a few days.

Are there any risks to having an ablation?

An ablation does involve a very small amount of risk. This will be explained to you before you give your consent to have the test.

Your doctor will not recommend that you have this procedure unless they think the benefits outweigh the risks.

If there is bleeding from the area where the catheter is inserted, it can sometimes leave a haematoma (which is when blood collects under the skin). This can feel uncomfortable and cause bruising.

There is a small risk of damage to the heart's normal electrical pathways. If this happens an artificial pacemaker may need to be fitted.

For further information on ablation, please see our Palpitation booklet or our Rhythm not blues video or our information sheet on Atrial Fibrillation.

Got any questions about this page?