Introduction:
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac rhythm disorder. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation is elevated in all parts of the world. Atrial fibrillation most commonly elevates with age. Therefore, the number of people with atrial fibrillation will increase yearly. The worldwide prevalence of atrial fibrillation is one percent. By the age of seventy to seventy-five years, the atrial fibrillation prevalence is seven percent. After the age of eighty years, atrial fibrillation prevalence is twenty-two years. Atrial fibrillation occurs more commonly in males than in females.
What Is Atrial Fibrillation?
An irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation can result in symptoms like a racing or fluttering sensation in the chest, weariness, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. This is because the upper chamber chambers of the heart, also called atria, contract quickly and uncoordinatedly due to the heart's regular electrical signals being erratic and fast. As a result, there may be a greater possibility of blood clots forming in the atria. For example, a stroke may result from a blood clot from the heart that escapes and goes to the brain. In addition, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stress, can lead to atrial fibrillation.
What Happens in Atrial Fibrillation?
The four chambers make up the heart. There are two ventricles and two atria, the upper and lower chambers, respectively. A certain set of cells often sends the signal to start your heartbeat. The SA node (sinoatrial node) in the right atrium of the upper region of the heart contains these cells. The signal that should initiate the heartbeat in the sinoatrial node does not result in atrial fibrillation. Instead, the signal diverts and starts somewhere in the atria, triggering a discrete area at a time. To transfer blood to the ventricles, the atria cannot ordinarily contract.
The atria begin to fibrillate as a result. The ventricles have irregular and occasionally accelerated contractions due to the chaotic signal spreading. The ventricle's inability to pump enough blood to the body is due to the atria and ventricles no longer being synchronized in their contraction.
What Is Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation?
A thin, hollow catheter is inserted into a blood artery in the groin and threaded up to the heart to allow access to the heart's interior during ablation. The doctor uses the catheters to make tiny burns or freezes on a small portion of the heart to leave scar tissue. Radiofrequency energy, a form of energy used in burning, employs heat to scar tissue. The method used for freezing is known as cryoablation. The heart's ability to conduct the aberrant electrical signals that lead to atrial fibrillation is aided by scarring.
What Is the Need for Ablation Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation Patients?
Atrial fibrillation can cause some people to experience uncomfortable symptoms, including palpitations and shortness of breath. The risk of stroke is also significantly increased by atrial fibrillation. A person taking some anticoagulant medications needs additional blood draws and monitoring. Anticoagulant medications used to prevent stroke have their hazards. Ablation is mostly performed to manage symptoms. It is not meant to replace the requirement for blood thinners to prevent stroke.
Many people with atrial fibrillation use medications to assist in managing their heart rate or heart rhythm. Unfortunately, some people don't react well to these medications. In such circumstances, the doctor might recommend ablation to fix the issue.
What Are the Risks of Ablation Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation?
Based on various medical issues, there are particular hazards. Before your ablation, make sure to address all of your worries with your healthcare physician. The majority of patients who get atrial fibrillation ablation experience success. However, there are some hazards connected with the surgery. There is a higher chance of death which is rare. Other risk factors consist of:
-
Infection, bleeding, and discomfort following catheter insertion.
-
The catheter harms blood vessels.
-
A stabbing to the heart.
-
Heart damage that might necessitate a permanent pacemaker.
-
Blood clots could cause a stroke.
-
The pulmonary veins narrowing (veins that transport blood from the lungs to the heart)
-
When atrial fibrillation has only lasted for a week or less due to radiation exposure, ablation may have a higher chance of long-term success. Atrial fibrillation may be less likely to continue if it is more severe or chronic. Ablation may be wise if they do not have any more structural problems with their hearts.
What Is the Procedure of Ablation Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation?
-
When the surgical team makes a small incision in the abdomen, the doctor applies a local anesthetic (a numbing medication) to the skin.
-
The medical professional will next introduce a breathing tube and deliver general anesthesia.
-
The doctor will pierce the blood vessel with several tiny holes.
-
Sheaths, and tapered tubes, will then be inserted through this opening.
-
The doctor will insert several electrode catheters into your blood vessel through the sheaths. Long, slender, flexible tubes with electrodes at the tip are known as electrode catheters. The team will subsequently advance the tubes to the proper location within the patient's heart.
-
The doctor will then use specialized equipment to find the aberrant tissue. They will accomplish this by passing a brief electrical impulse via the catheter. Other catheters will record the heart's impulses to locate the aberrant areas.
-
The doctor will insert the catheter at the location of the abnormal cells. The aberrant area will then be scarred (by freezing or burning). This could lead to discomfort.
-
The group will take the tubes out. Then, they will apply strong pressure to seal the bleeding vessel.
-
The area where the doctor implanted the tubes will be sealed off and bandaged by the team.
What Tests Are Recommended Before the Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation?
The tests that are recommended for ablation therapy are as follows:
-
Electrocardiogram (ECG): The test is essential for the analysis of heart rhythms.
-
Echocardiography: This is essential for the evaluation of the heart's structure and function.
-
Stress Testing: This checks the heart's working capacity during stress or physical activity.
-
Blood Tests: Blood tests are necessary to know the potassium and thyroid levels.
-
Cardiac Computerized Tomography:This method utilizes X-rays for detailed images of the heart and blood vessels.
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI scan utilizes non-invasive radio waves and magnets to produce images of the internal organs.
What Is the Recovery After the Ablation Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation?
The recovery after the ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation is there is some chest tightness after the completion of the procedure. Blood thinners and medicines are recommended after the procedure. Advised to avoid vigorous exercises for a few days and drive for forty-eight hours after the procedure.
Conclusion:
First, physicians try medications to reduce the symptoms of the atrial fibrillation condition. Then, ablation therapy is recommended if the symptoms do not subside for long. This is a safe and effective procedure. Long-term relief from atrial fibrillation is not guaranteed; it may recur. They might require a second ablation within a year if they have persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation. However, this is uncommon. The condition may require one or more treatments if it has been present for longer than a year.
