Question 1

what is the definition or description of: catheter ablation?

Accepted Answer

See below: Ablation from latin means destruction. Most commonly this is applied to cardiac procedures with the goal of preventing recurrent cardiac arrythmias such as atrial fibrillation of flutter. A catheter in introduced via the venous circulation and electrophysiologic studies are performed to precise the site of the focus of electrical disturbance which is then ablated by a strong electrical current.

Question 2

how common is it to have a successful catheter ablation procedure?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The success rates of ablation procedures depend mostly on the rhythm that is being ablated. For some arrhythmias such as SVT or atrial flutter, long term success rates upwards of 95% are very common. Ablation for atrial fibrillation typically results in 1-2 year AF free rates around 70+%. Sometimes a combination of medication and ablation can improve freedom from arrhythmia.

Question 3

what are the risks involved with catheter ablation?

Accepted Answer

Mild to serious: This depends in large part on what exactly is being ablated. Ablation in the right heart is usually a lower risk than in the left heart due to risks of clots in the arterial circulation. All procedures include risk of bleeding, blood clots in a vessel or the heart, and perforation. Atrial fibrillation ablation also poses risk for esophageal or pulmonary vein injury.

Question 4

how long after catheter ablation can i go up and down stairs?

Accepted Answer

Could ya before?: When discharged, unless your instructions say to avoid stairs, then slow steady pace should not interfere with the access site or its clot/scab. Ideally it will have been at least 3 days, if you are on / back on a blood thinner, may want to give it a week to let the repair process get well underway. Any specific q's should be directed to your electrophysiologist.

Question 5

has anyone who has svt gotten a catheter ablation?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Ablation is an often used highly successful form of treatment for the common types of svt.

Question 6

how long after a catheter ablation can i use viagra (sildenafil)?

Accepted Answer

Probably just...: Do you mean catheter removal? If so, why did you have catheter in the urethra? If the reason for indwelling catheter is for significant surgery on the urethra and prostate, it is a good idea to refrain from sexual act until the surgical site inside the urethra heals.

For detailed general and specific counseling for your concern, please go to see, talk, and work with your urologist.

Best wish...

Question 7

question about cardiac catheter ablation, chance of dying during it?

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely: Death is a remote possibility during an ablation, but it is a possibility. A very low risk of death is present for many procedures however, and it should not deter patients who really need the procedure.

Question 8

how long do i need to wait to masturbate after having svt catheter ablation?

Accepted Answer

: You may masturbate when you feel ready for it.
Wish you good health!

Question 9

i have recently had a catheter ablation for avnrt - 2 weeks ago. for the last 2 days i have been having 20,000 plus pvcs. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

The two situations: are probably unrelated but if you continue to have PVCs you should contact your EP for reevaluation.

Question 10

how long does it take the heart to heal after a catheter ablation for svt?

Accepted Answer

Depends: This is usually not an issue of healing but of getting the right destruction of the right area of the heart.  Healing will most likely be completed in a matter of a week but it is not a healing issue.  Discuss with your cardiologist/electophysiologist and have a complete understanding prior to the procedure unless done emergently.  Monitoring may be in order for a while after the procedure.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What to expect after catheter ablation

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: catheter ablation?

A member asked:

How common is it to have a successful catheter ablation procedure?

A member asked:

What are the risks involved with catheter ablation?

A member asked:

How long after catheter ablation can i go up and down stairs?

A member asked:

Has anyone who has svt gotten a catheter ablation?

A member asked:

How long after a catheter ablation can i use viagra (sildenafil)?

A member asked:

Question about cardiac catheter ablation, chance of dying during it?

A member asked:

How long do i need to wait to masturbate after having svt catheter ablation?

A member asked:

I have recently had a catheter ablation for avnrt - 2 weeks ago. for the last 2 days i have been having 20,000 plus pvcs. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

How long does it take the heart to heal after a catheter ablation for svt?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?