Catheter Ablation

What is it?

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is caused by the conduction of irregular impulses to the ventricles that generate the heartbeat.  This causes the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to quiver (fibrillate).

Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that can treat atrial fibrillation if medication management and lifestyle changes are not relieving symptoms. The procedure is completed in the electrophysiology laboratory. Light sedation is offered and a local anesthetic is used to numb the catheter insertion site, usually the groin, neck or arm. Using advanced imaging techniques, an ablation catheter is then threaded through the blood vessels leading to the heart. Sometimes a transseptal catheterization technique is used to access the left atrium of the heart. The abnormal heart tissue causing the condition is then destroyed (ablated) using one of two mechanisms:

Radiofrequency ablation, in which heat energy is used to destroy the atrioventricular node facilitating passing of electrical impulses between the heart's upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles). This then requires implantation of a permanent pacemaker to regulate the heart rhythm.  Loyola specialists are the first in the Chicago area able to perform magnetically guided catheter ablation.

Cryoablation, in which extreme cold is used to destroy the abnormal heart tissue causing atrial fibrillation. This alternative to radiofrequency ablation is a newer ablation technique that uses compressed nitrogen that circulates through the catheter.

The Loyola difference

Loyola serves as a major regional and national referral center for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, offering treatment options often unavailable elsewhere. Our skilled team of leading electrophysiologists, advanced practice nurses, technical staff, imaging experts and other professionals provides an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of rhythm disturbances and their associated underlying conditions.

Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care. U.S. News & World Report ranked us as a top 20 hospital for cardiology and heart surgery in 2011, making this our ninth year in the top 50.