What steps are involved in preparing for atrial fibrillation ablation?
Along with a careful medical history and physical examination, basic cardiac tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, routine blood tests and either a stress test or cardiac catheterization are required in assessing candidacy for atrial fibrillation ablation. Prior to the procedure, a CT scan will be performed to define the shape of your left atrium along with the number, size and location of your pulmonary veins. This image will also be used during your procedure. Warfarin and antiarrhythmic medications will be stopped about 3 days prior to the procedure. If you are using amiodarone, you may be asked to stop it a few weeks sooner. In some cases, we will use “Lovenox” subcutaneous injections twice daily to keep the blood thin as warfarin is wearing off. On the morning of the procedure, it is important NOT to take any medications, especially NOT Lovenox to avoid the blood being too thin during the procedure. Selected patients may require a trans-esophageal echocardiogram (TEE) prior to the
