How is Catheter Ablation Performed?
First of all, you’ll be asked to eat NOTHING after midnight the evening before the procedure. Not uncommonly, your doctor might ask you to also NOT take some of the heart rhythm medications before the procedure so your rhythm can be initiated easier during the electrophysiology study (heart electrical study). You will first to to a pre-procedure holding area, where and IV will be started and blood taken for analysis to assure the procedure is performed safely. Women of reproductive age commonly have pregnancy test the morning of or the day before the procedure. Next you will be connected to a series of EKG leads and a large patch electrode on your back and chest (these serve two purposes: (1) to apply energy to your heart during the “ablation” procedure, and (2) to shock the heart back to normal rhythm in the rare event an irregular or dangerous rhythm were started during the testing of your heart.) The leg area near the groin will be cleaned, possibly shaved, and prepared for the proc
