CATHETERABLATION
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR
YOUR PROCEDURE

Curious to know more about what a typical catheter ablation procedure is like? If you and your physician
determined catheter ablation is the best treatment option for you, use this guide as a resource to better
understand what to expect the day of your procedure.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE•

After determining catheter ablation is the best treatment option for your Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)through discussion with your physician, you’ll get your procedure scheduled. You will receive a list ofinstructions from your physician, which may include instruction as to what medications to continue
to take or stop taking (like anti-arrhythmic drugs), how to fast appropriately before your procedureand more. Your physician may also have you come in beforehand to have separate imaging done inorder for them to see your heart’s anatomy before your procedure.

•The day of your procedure, you will get checked-in at the hospital and complete any required
paperwork. Once admitted, you’ll be taken to a holding area where you will get bloodwork done
to ensure all levels are good. Your anesthesiologist will talk to you beforehand about the type ofanesthesia you will receive.

•Once the EP lab is ready for you, they will take you into the procedure room where you’ll be greetedby the nurses and lab staff. There will be several patches placed on your chest and back. This is tomonitor your vitals throughout, and some of these patches are used to navigate your heart. This iscompletely normal and will ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

•In most cases, you will be given sedation just prior to the start of your procedure.

•At this point, your physician may do a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) procedure to ensure
you have no blood clots before beginning the ablation procedure.

DURING THE PROCEDURE•

A small incision will be made in the upper thigh where your physician will insert a small, thin tube,
also known as a sheath, into the blood vessel. Your doctor will then gently guide a thin, flexible
catheter into your vessel (using the sheath as a guide) to access your heart.

•After accessing your heart, your physician will use a mapping catheter to create a 3D model of yourheart and record its electrical activity. Your physician will analyze the signals and information todetermine the best treatment strategy for you.

•Next, your physician will use a special type of catheter called an ablation catheter–which transmits
radiofrequency or (RF) energy into the heart–to block irregular signals that cause AFib.

•Your physician will continue treating these irregular signals until a normal heart rhythm is restored.

•At the end of your procedure, your physician will perform some additional tests to ensure effectivetreatment delivery.

•

You may get an additional device implanted that will continuously record your heartbeat andremotely report results back to your physician to monitor procedure success.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE•

You will be taken back to your room for recovery and receive a visit from your physician who will
check on you and provide specific instructions to follow.

•Expect to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring and safety precautions.

•There may be some restriction on activities for about a week after your procedure. Follow allguidance from your physician accordingly.

•Typically, you’ll have a follow-up appointment within the next few weeks. Make sure you keep allscheduled appointments after your procedure.

Always consult your doctor with questions about AFib, symptoms, or best treatment options.

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