Catheter Ablation for Heart Rhythm Disorders by Trusted Experts 

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure to treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals in your heart don’t work properly. Your heart may beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.  

Using a catheter (thin, flexible tube), a cardiologist targets small areas of heart tissue with heat or cold energy. Tiny scars form to block the faulty signals and restore a normal heartbeat. Our heart and vascular specialists use advanced imaging and technologies to perform catheter ablation safely and precisely. 

How We Ensure You’re Ready for Catheter Ablation 

We often use catheter ablation to treat arrhythmias that don’t respond to medication. But for some types of irregular heartbeats, we may recommend it as a first-line treatment. 

Before your procedure, your care team will review your medical history, medications and treatment goals. You may need cardiac imaging or other diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG).  

Your provider will give you specific instructions to help you prepare. These include: 

• Arranging for someone to drive you home afterward 
• Fasting for several hours before the procedure 
• Stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners 

Our team will explain each step of the process and answer your questions so you know what to expect. 

What Happens During Catheter Ablation? 

We perform catheter ablation in a special cardiac lab at the hospital. You’ll receive sedation or anesthesia through an IV in your arm or hand. These medicines help you relax and stay comfortable during the procedure. A cardiologist will make a small incision to insert the catheter, usually in the groin, neck or arm. 

Using X-ray images, your cardiologist guides the catheter through your blood vessels to your heart. Sensors on the catheter ends measure your heart’s electrical activity to pinpoint the source of the irregular heartbeat. This step is called an electrophysiology study. 

Your cardiologist then sends heat (radiofrequency ablation) or extreme cold (cryoablation) energy to destroy the targeted tissue and create small scars. The scars prevent abnormal electrical signals from traveling through your heart. 

Catheter ablation typically lasts three to six hours, depending on the type of arrhythmia you have. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. 

Recovery After Catheter Ablation 

After the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area while your care team monitors your heartbeat and blood pressure. You should lie still for several hours to help your body heal properly. 

Many patients can go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight for observation. You may experience mild soreness, bruising or fatigue for a few days. Your provider will give you a detailed guide for at-home care. They may prescribe a blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots. 

You can return to normal activities within a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about a week. We’ll help schedule follow-up visits to monitor your heart rhythm and adjust your care plan if needed. At Keck Medicine of USC, you’ll receive ongoing support to improve your long-term health.