Cardiac Ablation
Restore a regular heartbeat — and increase your energy. Ask your doctor about cardiac ablation at OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute and its network of clinics. This arrhythmia treatment uses heat, cold or a laser to block electrical signals that cause your unusual heart rhythm. It’s less invasive than surgery, and you may need to spend just one night in the hospital.
Where is cardiac ablation available?
You receive ablation from an electrophysiologist (specialist in heart rhythms). Your cardiologist or primary care doctor can refer you to an OSF Cardiovascular Institute electrophysiologist in:
- Bloomington, Illinois
- Escanaba, Michigan
- Galesburg, Illinois
- Ottawa, Illinois
- Peoria, Illinois
- Rockford, Illinois
- Urbana, Illinois
What is arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a common condition in which your heart beats too fast, too slow or at the wrong times. It happens when electrical signals in your heart misfire. You may feel weak, faint and short of breath. Your heart may pound or race even when you’re not physically active. Without treatment, an irregular heartbeat can cause serious health problems.
Is heart ablation right for me?
Cardiac ablation, or catheter ablation, most often treats two types of fast heartbeats: atrial fibrillation (AFib) and supraventricular tachycardia. Your doctor may recommend this option if medications don’t offer enough relief or cause too many side effects.
How does a cardiac ablation procedure work?
While you lie on a table, the electrophysiologist inserts a soft tube called a catheter into a blood vessel, most likely in your upper thigh. Then, the doctor pushes the tube up to your heart. There, the tip of the tube sends out heat, cold or a laser to block a tiny area of tissue that makes your heart beat too fast. Afterward, your heart rhythm returns to normal.
Watch our Facebook video to learn more about what to expect from cardiac ablation.
Recovery After Ablation
Catheter ablation therapy doesn’t use a large incision, so you’ll recover much faster than you would after heart surgery. You may be able to return to most of your activities the next day. Your doctor will explain how to care for yourself at home, and your team will make follow-up appointments to ensure you recover well.
Talk to Your Doctor
Ask your cardiologist if cardiac ablation is a good option for you. Need a cardiologist? Search our provider directory and ask your primary care provider for a referral.