What is Catheter Ablation?
Catheter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms or
arrhythmias. This technique involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the heart through a blood vessel. The catheter uses heat, cold, or radiofrequency energy to destroy (ablate) small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular heartbeats.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Catheter ablation in children is usually performed under general anesthesia. A pediatric cardiologist and an electrophysiologist will guide the catheter to the heart using fluoroscopic imaging. Once the problematic tissue is located, the ablation energy is delivered to disrupt the abnormal electrical signals. The procedure typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the arrhythmia.
What are the Risks and Benefits?
While catheter ablation is generally safe, it does carry some
risks, including bleeding, infection, and damage to blood vessels or the heart. Rarely, it can lead to more serious complications like heart block or stroke. However, the benefits often outweigh the risks, especially when it comes to improving the child’s quality of life and reducing the need for long-term medication.
What is the Success Rate?
The success rate of catheter ablation in children varies depending on the type of arrhythmia being treated. For conditions like SVT, the success rate is generally high, often exceeding 90%. Success rates for more complex arrhythmias may be somewhat lower, but advances in technology and technique continue to improve outcomes.
What is the Post-Procedure Care?
After the procedure, children are typically monitored in the hospital for a day or two. They may experience some minor discomfort or bruising at the catheter insertion site. Most children can resume normal activities within a week, although strenuous activities should be avoided for a bit longer. Follow-up visits with the
pediatric cardiologist are crucial for monitoring the heart's rhythm and ensuring the procedure's success.
Who are the Ideal Candidates?
Ideal candidates for catheter ablation are children who experience frequent or severe arrhythmias that do not respond well to medication. The decision to proceed with ablation is usually made after a thorough evaluation, which may include an
electrophysiology study (EPS) to map the heart's electrical activity.
Conclusion
Catheter ablation offers a promising solution for children suffering from certain types of arrhythmias. While the procedure does carry some risks, the potential to significantly improve a child's quality of life often makes it worth considering. As always, a detailed discussion with a specialized healthcare provider is essential to make an informed decision.
