Patients experiencing arrhythmia (a condition referring to rapid or irregular heartbeats) are often prescribed medication to normalize their heart’s function. However, if drug therapy isn’t successful or causes unwanted side effects, your doctor may order catheter ablation.
Catheter Ablation at Bayhealth
Performed by an electrophysiologist (a heart doctor who specializes in heart rhythms), catheter ablation targets areas of arrhythmia-causing tissue inside your heart. During the procedure, a narrow tube (catheter) is guided to the heart, where it either uses radiofrequency energy or a refrigerant-filled balloon to disable unwanted signals contributing to arrhythmias.
Your Bayhealth cardiologist may order catheter ablation if drug therapy failed to address your heart arrhythmia or caused serious side effects.
What is Heart Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia occurs when electrical signals that determine your heartbeat become disorganized, causing your blood to pump in an irregular way. Symptoms of arrhythmia include:
- Physical weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
If left untreated, arrhythmia can contribute to health issues such as blood clots, heart failure, or strokes. Learn more about diagnostic testing and surgical options for heart arrhythmia.
Schedule an Appointment
Speak with a heart and vascular expert at Bayhealth to determine the best treatment plan for heart arrhythmia. Learn more about procedures offered by our cardiovascular team.