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Electrophysiological Radio Ablation ERA Including 3D Ablation

Electrophysiological Radio Ablation ERA Including 3D Ablation

Electrophysiological Radio Ablation ERA Including 3D Ablation

Electrophysiological Radio Ablation (ERA) is an advanced medical procedure for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. This procedure aims to heat and ablate abnormal heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats by using radiofrequency energy (heat), resulting in the restoration of a regular heartbeat. Electrophysiological Radio Ablation ERA including 3D ablation procedure is much like the EPS (electrophysiology studies) diagnostic test, as both use a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is inserted into the blood vessel to diagnose or treat it. Most of the time, both procedures are done in the same session. First, the EPS is used for diagnosing the problem, and then the ERA is used to treat it. The incorporation of 3D ablation is a vital advancement in the ERA technique. In this, a three-dimensional mapping device is used to create a detailed image of the heart's electrical activity. It helps in finding the appropriate location of the affected areas, ensuring accurate and effective ablation while minimising the damage caused to healthy tissue. This 3D approach enhances the safety and efficacy of the ERA procedure, used mostly in cases of complex arrhythmias.

At Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, our team of qualified and experienced cardiologists and electrophysiologists employs advanced electrophysiology diagnostic techniques to detect any abnormal heart rhythms and treat them at the root using ERA with 3D ablation. We ensure patient comfort and provide personalised services and care throughout the procedure with regular follow-ups, enhancing your quality of life.

 

FAQ's

Electrophysiological Radio Ablation or Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation, is used for the treatment of various types of cardiac arrhythmias as well as complex arrhythmias through the 3D ablation technique. This procedure can be used to treat the following conditions:

  • Atrial fibrillation

  • Atrial flutter

  • Ventricular arrhythmias

  • Premature heartbeats

  • Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)

An electrophysiology test is done before this procedure, and in case your heartbeat comes too fast or shows irregularity, it is usually done at the same time, depending on the urgency.

No, the ERA procedure may not be appropriate for all patients. Various factors will be evaluated before making the decision, such as the type of arrhythmia, its severity, the patient's overall health, and the presence of other medical conditions. This procedure is generally recommended in the following cases:

  • Medicines are not effective in treating irregular heartbeats or causing serious side effects.

  • Have a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest or other complications.

  • Having a type of heartbeat that can be treated only by this procedure (such as supraventricular tachycardia or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).

Before the ERA procedure, the doctor may ask you to undergo certain tests to assess your heart health. These include an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, blood tests, and an electrophysiology test. You may also need to stop eating or drinking the night before the procedure. Also, inform the doctor about all the medications you are taking, your medical history, and any allergies you may have. The doctor will tell you which medications you can continue before the procedure. Follow all the specific instructions given by the doctor, based on your condition.

  • Electrophysiological Radio Ablation is conducted mostly in hospitals.

  • After you reach the hospital, an IV line will be inserted into your forearm or hand to administer medicines during the procedure. 

  • The area over your groin where the catheter and wires will be inserted will be shaved.

  • Sedation or general anaesthesia will be given, depending on your condition.

  • The doctor will insert one or more thin, flexible tubes called catheters into a blood vessel in the groin area. 

  • Contrast dye may be used to see the blood vessels clearly on the X-ray images. 

  • An electrophysiology study may have been conducted before by using sensors on the tip of the catheter, which send electrical signals and record the heart's electrical activity.

  • This information helps in finding the area that is causing abnormal heart rhythms. 

  • A catheter is then placed near the affected area and produces radiofrequency energy (heat) that ablates the abnormal cells in that area, restoring the normal heartbeat. 

  • After the completion of the procedure, the catheters are removed, and the area is stitched and secured with a dressing. 

  • To find the precise location of the arrhythmia, a 3D ablation mapping system may be used along with the ERA procedure for better treatment outcomes, especially for complex arrhythmia cases.

 

  • The ERA procedure usually takes 3 to 6 hours to complete, and the time will depend on your medical condition, overall health, and the type of irregular heartbeat being treated.

  • After the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery area and monitored by the care team.

  • Depending on your condition and progress, you may be allowed to go home the same day or you will have to spend a night in the hospital.

  • Ask for someone to drive you home. 

  • You may feel a little soreness after the procedure, but it should not last more than a week. 

  • You will be discharged with post-operative instructions regarding diet when you can resume normal activities and follow-up appointments. 

  • Make sure to follow all instructions carefully for a faster recovery.

  • Avoid lifting anything heavy for a week, and you can return to your normal activities within a few days, depending on your condition.

Though this is generally a safe procedure, it can still cause some complications, such as:

  • Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the site of catheter insertion

  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs

  • Blood vessel or heart valve damage

  • Slow heartbeat, requiring a pacemaker to fix it

  • Stroke or heart attack

  • Pulmonary vein stenosis (narrowing of the vein between the lung and heart)

  • Damage to the kidneys due to contrast dye

  • A new irregular heartbeat or one that gets worse

  • Allergic reaction to dye or anaesthesia 

These risks can be minimised if stringent protocols are used and with the calibre of an experienced team of doctors. Also, with the use of the 3D ablation technique, these risks can be minimised, enhancing procedure accuracy and patient outcomes.

Most of the people who undergo Electrophysiological Radio Ablation procedures see improvements in their quality of life. There are also chances that an irregular heartbeat may come back, requiring repeated procedures or any other surgery. Also, some patients may need to take heart medicines after the procedure, depending on their condition. The success rate of ERA is generally higher with 3D ablation for treating atrial fibrillation. However, the results and effectiveness of the procedure will depend on some factors, such as the patient's overall health, the expertise of the team, and the type and duration of the condition.

 

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