Regain a Normal Heartbeat with Radiofrequency Ablation in the Sacramento Region

Radiofrequency ablation, or cardiac ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure that destroys heart cells that send abnormal electrical impulses to the heart. This cardiology procedure is used to treat a wide array of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats).

At Dignity Health Heart and Vascular Institute of Greater Sacramento, experienced cardiologists offer personalized care to evaluate, diagnose, and treat heart problems with radiofrequency ablation in the Sacramento region. To schedule a consultation with a cardiologist to see cardiac ablation is right for you, Find a Dignity Health Doctor.

Why Radiofrequency Ablation is Performed

If you have an irregular heart rhythm, it means that some cells in your heart (called pacemaker cells) are sending abnormal electrical signals across your heart. These improper signals can cause an arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib). Your cardiologist may recommend a procedure such as radiofrequency ablation to help restore a normal rhythm in your heart.

What to Expect from Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that will be performed at Dignity Health’s Mercy General Hospital by one of our expert cardiologists. The procedure lasts about four hours. However, you should plan to spend all day at the hospital. You’ll be given anesthesia to make you sleep.

During the cardiology procedure, your doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a large blood vessel in your groin, arm, or neck. The catheter will be fed toward your heart, allowing your doctor to assess the electrical activity in your heart and find the cells that are causing the irregular heart rhythm.

When the abnormal cells are located, a special catheter tip that generates heat energy will be applied to the cells. You may feel a slight burning sensation as the heat destroys these cells. This is normal, and you shouldn’t feel any pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation Recovery

Once the cardiology procedure is over, you’ll stay in the recovery area for one to six hours or more. During this time, pressure will be applied to the puncture site in your groin, arm, or neck to help it seal. You may be able to return home the same day. Someone will need to drive you home.

Your care team will provide clear instructions on how to care for your incision and what kinds of activities are safe to perform while you recover. Radiofrequency ablation may correct your heart arrhythmia forever, or you might need ongoing treatment and monitoring.

To learn more about ways to keep your heart healthy, read our Cardiac Monitor newsletter or ask your doctor about our additional tools for heart health.