Transvenous Electric Ablation refers to a medical procedure designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms, known as cardiac arrhythmias, by using electrical energy delivered through a catheter placed inside a blood vessel. It is a technique commonly utilized for ablation therapy, a process of destroying or interrupting abnormal electrical pathways within the heart to restore its normal rhythm.
During Transvenous Electric Ablation, a specialized catheter is inserted into a vein, typically in the groin or neck, and guided through the blood vessels to reach the heart. The catheter emits electrical energy, such as radiofrequency or laser energy, which is used to selectively destroy or modify specific regions of the heart tissue responsible for the abnormal electrical signals causing the arrhythmia.
The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate or significantly reduce the occurrence of irregular heart rhythms, such as supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, or ventricular tachycardia. By ablating, or disrupting, the faulty electrical pathways, the heart can resume its normal rhythm and alleviate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Transvenous Electric Ablation is typically performed under local anesthesia, with the guidance of advanced imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or intracardiac echocardiography. It is a widely accepted treatment option for patients who have not responded adequately to anti-arrhythmic medications or those who experience frequent and disabling arrhythmias. The procedure carries certain risks, including bleeding, infection, damage to the blood vessels, or the formation of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications. However, when performed by skilled healthcare professionals, Transvenous Electric Ablation can offer significant benefits in the management of various cardiac arrhythmias.
