Catheter ablation
Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation (pronounced: kath-uh-ter ab-lay-shun) is a medical procedure used to treat some types of arrhythmias.
Etymology
The term "catheter" comes from the Greek word "katheter" which means "to send down", while "ablation" is derived from the Latin word "ablatio" meaning "to carry away".
Procedure
In a catheter ablation, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart. The catheter is then used to deliver energy (such as radiofrequency, cryoenergy, or laser) to specific areas of the heart tissue, causing small scars that can prevent the abnormal electrical signals causing the arrhythmia from spreading.
Uses
Catheter ablation is often used when medications or other interventions are not effective in controlling an arrhythmia. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, and some types of supraventricular tachycardia.
Risks
Like any medical procedure, catheter ablation carries some risks. These can include bleeding or infection at the site where the catheter was inserted, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and the possibility of the arrhythmia returning.
Related Terms
- Electrophysiology study: A test that maps the electrical activity of the heart.
- Radiofrequency ablation: A type of catheter ablation that uses radiofrequency energy.
- Cryoablation: A type of catheter ablation that uses cold energy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catheter ablation
- Wikipedia's article - Catheter ablation
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