Radiofrequency ablation of the heart (RFA)
specialists
equipment
treatment
The RFA therapy technology, unlike other well-known methods (argon plasma coagulation, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, etc.), has a controlled depth of exposure, and the RFA generator independently controls the ablation process and stops supplying energy when a predetermined level of resistance in the treated area has been reached. These operations are performed under sedation, which makes it painless for the patient.
All these factors make it possible to carry out surgical treatment effectively and safely enough for the patient.
The Barrx radio frequency generator is an electrosurgical unit that allows for contact and controlled eradication of pathologically altered areas, as well as coagulation of volumetric bleeding surfaces.
Thanks to this device, a unique opportunity has appeared to help patients with such diagnoses as:
With the help of specialized instrumentation, the device delivers radio-frequency energy to the tissues, which allows the "contact" method to treat a larger area of the affected segments than similar ablation technologies. Built-in intelligent software helps the specialist perform the procedure almost completely safely for the patient:
The possibility of using catheters of various shapes and sizes allows you to work with pathological changes in the esophagus, stomach and colon of various lengths.
Appointment to the doctor
Catheters are selected for each intervention:
- Circular balloons (for the common segment of Barrett's esophagus).
- Focal "scapula" of standard size (for the treatment of individual areas of the esophagus / when working in the colon with radiation proctitis).
- Ultra-long shoulder blades (for GAVE syndrome).
- Intracanal catheter (for RFA with complicated patient anatomy).
The RFA therapy technology, unlike other known techniques (argon plasma coagulation, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, etc.), has a controlled depth of impact, and the RFA generator independently controls the ablation process and stops supplying energy when a predetermined level of resistance in the treated area is reached. These operations are performed under sedation, which makes it painless for the patient.
RFA is prescribed for cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac pathologies. Main indications:
- Ventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation
- Atrial tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia
- Atrial flutter and fibrillation
- Heart failure
- SVC syndrome
- Ventricular extrasystole
- Enlarged heart (cardiomegaly)
The radio wave treatment method is effective for patients with heart problems for whom drug therapy is ineffective or dangerous. It is recommended to contact a cardiologist to diagnose the pathology and prescribe surgery if pain is detected in the neck, back, or heart area.
Minimally invasive surgery has no absolute contraindications. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is performed to treat cardiac arrhythmias even in elderly and young children. Relative contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Unstable angina
- Inflammatory processes in the heart
- Blood clots in the heart
- Arterial hypertension
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding disorder
- Respiratory failure
- The first 4 days of myocardial infarction
- Infectious diseases
Also, if you have an implanted pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator, be sure to tell us about this before scheduling the operation. If there are no contraindications, you can undergo treatment in our clinic.
The patient is carefully prepared for the operation. To begin with, they take all the tests: clinical blood test, general urine test, biochemistry. Next, an instrumental examination of the heart is carried out to identify pathological lesions: ECG, ECHO-CG, ultrasound scanning of the arteries of the lower extremities, MRI, MSCT of the heart.
The night before surgery, avoid eating and drinking. Also be sure to tell your specialist about the medications you are taking. If possible, they should be discontinued 2-3 days before RFA.
The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia under fluoroscopic control. After anesthesia, the cardiac surgeon makes a puncture in the femoral or subclavian vein. Electrodes are inserted into the vein through a puncture in the vessel. During examination and treatment using electrical impulses, the patient may experience mild short-term discomfort and irregular heartbeat.
During an electrophysiological study of the heart, electrical impulses are given. When mapping the heart, its work and reaction to the influence of the inserted electrodes are assessed and visualized. Next, the catheter is led to the pathological focus of the arrhythmia. All problem areas that provoke an abnormal heart rhythm are destroyed by current (or low temperatures during cryoablation).
The duration of the operation depends on the patient's condition. On average, the patient will spend 2-5 hours on the operating table. The first day after surgery, bed rest and medical observation in the hospital are recommended. A day later, the attending physician sends the patient home with recommendations.
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Answers to popular questions
What is the effectiveness of treating heart diseases with this method?
The effectiveness of treatment using a minimally invasive method is great. Surgical intervention can improve the quality of life, achieve complete recovery and stop taking medications. For AVNRT (atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia) and SVC syndrome (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), cardiac ablation helps in 98%. For atrial fibrillation – up to 75%.
RFA effect:
- Restoration of heart rhythm for 5 years in ⅔ patients
- Possibility of refusing to take medications for sinus rhythm
- Possibility of canceling hypocoagulation therapy while maintaining health up to 70 years
Can there be complications after the procedure?
The risk of complications is 1%. The procedure is classified as a minimally invasive operation and is performed under local anesthesia. In very rare cases, patients experience the following pathologies after treatment:
- Complications due to radiation exposure
- Complications due to damage to blood vessels and arteries (thrombophlebitis, arteriovenous fistula, pneumothorax)
- Complications during catheter manipulations (hematomas at puncture sites, damage to heart valves, embolism, perforation of the coronary sinus or myocardial wall, cardiac perforation)
- Complications due to radiofrequency effects on the body
Also, in rare cases, cryoprocedures may cause paresis of the phrenic nerve.
Are there any recommendations after surgery?
