Cardiac Ablation in India

What is Cardiac ablation?

Cardiac ablation creates microscopic scars in your heart using heat or cold energy to block faulty electrical signals and restore a regular heartbeat. This surgical procedure is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). Cardiac ablation is most commonly performed with the help of catheters, which are thin, flexible tubes placed into veins or arteries through the leg or neck area and directed towards the heart. Ablation is used during heart surgery as well, albeit less frequently.

What is a Cardiac Ablation and what are the Methods of Cardiac ablation?

Heart tissue is scarred using energy during this procedure. Often, doctors call this irregular pulse an arrhythmia, as they stop unusual electrical signals in the heart. In addition to treating an irregular heartbeat, cardiac ablation can also treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may refer to this procedure as an atrial fibrillation ablation.

Cardiac ablation in India comes in a variety of forms, here are some below:

Catheter ablation: In this method, the heart’s disruptive cells are removed by inserting long, thin tubes called catheters into the blood channels. The cells that produce arrhythmias are removed by healthcare facilities using a variety of methods, including,  radio frequency produces heat and freezing. Surgical ablation: Ablation surgery, commonly referred to as maze surgery The Cox-maze or Trusted Source technique seeks to end atrial fibrillation (A-fib). It is a type of open-heart surgery that is frequently carried out concurrently with procedures for other heart issues, like valve replacement or heart bypass. Hybrid surgical-catheter ablation: Hybrid surgical-catheter ablation combines catheter ablation, which treats the inside of the heart, with the mini-maze procedure, which treats the outer layer of the heart.

Why is Cardiac Ablations Performed?

A cardiac ablation treatment in India is used to fix heart rhythm issues. The electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat must go along a particular path when they do so. An irregular heartbeat can result from any disturbance in the signaling pathway. Cardiac ablation may be one of the initial therapies, depending on the type of heart rhythm issue. When other medications or treatments fail, they may also be used. Sometimes this procedure is performed on patients who have attempted unsuccessfully to cure an arrhythmia with drugs or possess some arrhythmias, like supraventricular tachycardia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, that are amenable to ablation.

What Are The Different Types Of Cardiac Ablation?

Cardiac ablation can be performed in two ways by your doctor: Catheter ablation- This type is also known as radiofrequency ablation or pulmonary vein ablation. A catheter is a tiny, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel in your leg or neck and guided to your heart by your doctor. It damages the cells that are producing the arrhythmia once it reaches the location that is causing it. This aids in the re-establishment of a normal heartbeat. These can be classified into two primary types:Radiofrequency Ablation: The doctor uses catheters to deliver radio frequency radiation (equivalent to microwave heat) to each vein or group of veins, creating circular scars. Cryoablation: A single catheter is used to deliver a balloon that is topped with a chemical that freezes the tissues and leaves a scar. Surgical ablation: General anesthesia is required for surgical ablation. Surgeons cut the inside of the heart to generate scar tissue to restore electrical balance to the heart’s system. These are of three different types: Maze Procedure : This is frequently done when you’re undergoing open-heart surgery for another issue, such as a bypass or valve replacement. They sew together small wounds in the upper section of your heart to generate scar tissue that blocks abnormal signals. Mini Maze : The majority of persons with AFIB do not require open-heart surgery. Catheter ablation is performed by making multiple tiny slits between your ribs and with the assistance of a camera. Some hospitals provide robotic-assisted surgery, which involves fewer cuts and is more exact. Your doctor will implant a video camera or a small robot in your chest. It will direct the production of scar tissue, which may help you maintain a healthy heart rhythm. Convergent procedure: Catheter ablation is used with a tiny maze in this procedure. A surgeon makes a small cut beneath your breastbone to apply radiofrequency energy on the outside of your heart, and the doctor employs radiofrequency ablation in the pulmonary vein.

What Are The Risk Factors For Patients?

To find out if cardiac ablation is the right option for you, talk to your Apollo doctor about the risks and benefits of this procedure. The following are some of the risks associated with cardiac ablation:

• Bleeding and infection where catheter is implanted
• Damage to blood vessels
• Damage to the heart valves
• Worsening arrhythmia
• Developing blood clots in your legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
• A stroke or a heart attack
• Veins that deliver blood between your lungs and heart narrow (pulmonary vein stenosis)
• Kidney damage caused by the dye used during the operation
• Death (rare cases)

What Can You Expect During Post Operative Care For Cardiac Ablation?

The time taken to finish a cardiac ablation surgery varies depending on the type of arrhythmia you have. Post the procedure, you’ll be brought to a recovery area where physicians and nurses will keep a close eye on you for a few hours. You may be able to go home on the same day or spend the night in the hospital, depending on your condition. After your operation, arrange for someone else to drive you home. After the operation, some patients report a little pain.The discomfort should last no longer than a week. After cardiac ablation, most people resume normal activities within a few days.

What Takes Place Prior to Heart Ablation?

Cardiologists or cardiac surgeons carry out each and every cardiac ablation procedure in a hospital setting. Before determining which sort of cardiac ablation therapy is ideal, your doctor will perform a complete evaluation of your heart condition and general health. Your doctor will give you detailed advice on how to get ready for the surgery. You might need to:

• Stop using drugs for arrhythmia or blood thinning (such as aspirin or warfarin). Follow your doctor’s instructions and only stop taking these drugs when instructed.
• Avoid eating or drinking the evening before your operation. You will receive detailed instructions from your provider.
• If your surgery is an outpatient one, make arrangements for someone to drive you home from the hospital.

Cardiac Ablation Surgery Cost in India:

The estimated cost of a cardiac ablation in India is far lower than in other developed countries such as the United States, the United Nations, Africa, and America. The cost of cardiac ablation in India starts from USD 4500. Other several factors that may also influence the cost of cardiac ablation in India include:

• The price of treatment packages.
• Doctor’s competence and experience in the subject.
• The patient’s situation.
• Duration of hospitalization and stay in the country.
• Need for post-operative care.
• Hospital room classification.

What are the Risks Associated with Cardiac Ablation?

In contrast to catheter ablation, surgical ablation has higher side effects on the heart. The following are possible dangers of cardiac ablation:

• cardiac arrest or a stroke
• a narrowing of the veins that connect your heart and lungs
• dye damage to the kidneys
• Radiation
• Death
• Infection or bleeding where the catheter was inserted
• if the catheter scrapes them, damaged blood vessels
• Arrhythmias brought on by electrical system damage to your heart
• lungs or legs with blood clots
• Heart injuries, such as holes or faulty valves