What is SVT ablation?
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation is a catheter-based procedure used to treat episodes of rapid heart rhythm that originate in the upper chambers of the heart. The goal is to identify and disrupt the area of heart tissue responsible for the abnormal electrical signals. This approach may reduce or eliminate the recurrence of SVT in select patients.Who might be a candidate for SVT ablation?
• Patients with recurrent or symptomatic episodes of SVT.• Individuals who have not responded well to medications or prefer not to use them long-term.
• Those who experience significant lifestyle disruption due to frequent arrhythmia.
• Patients with certain types of SVT identified during an electrophysiology study.
What to expect during SVT ablation
• The procedure is typically done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia.• Catheters are inserted into veins (often in the groin) and guided to the heart using imaging.
• An electrophysiology study is performed to locate the source of the abnormal rhythm.
• Radiofrequency energy or cryoablation is applied to the targeted area to interrupt the faulty signals.
• Most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
What are the risks of SVT ablation?
• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site.• Injury to blood vessels or heart tissue during catheter placement.
• Arrhythmias or heart block that may require a pacemaker (rare).
• Risk of infection or reaction to sedation.
Recovery from SVT ablation
• Patients are observed for several hours post-procedure, sometimes overnight.• Mild soreness at the catheter insertion site is common.
• Most people return to normal activities within a few days.
• Follow-up visits may include ECG or heart rhythm monitoring.
• Some patients may still experience minor rhythm disturbances during early healing.