Rytmihäiriöablaatio

Rytmihäiriöablaatio, known in English as arrhythmia ablation or cardiac ablation, is a medical procedure used to treat heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias. It involves the use of targeted energy, typically radiofrequency or cryoablation, to create tiny scars in the heart tissue. These scars block abnormal electrical signals that cause the irregular heartbeat. The procedure is performed by an electrophysiologist, a cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm disorders. Before the ablation, diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an electrophysiology study (EPS) are often conducted to pinpoint the exact location of the electrical abnormality. During the ablation, thin, flexible wires called catheters are guided through blood vessels to the heart. These catheters deliver the energy to the specific areas causing the arrhythmia. The goal is to restore a normal heart rhythm. Common arrhythmias treated with ablation include atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia. While generally safe and effective, potential risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, or damage to the heart. Recovery typically involves a brief hospital stay and a period of rest.