The heart is one of the most important organs in our body. Any violations in his work can significantly degrade the quality of human life, and even lead to death. Often in patients there is a violation of the heart rhythm - arrhythmia. With this disease, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is successfully used.
How a healthy heart works
In a normal state, the heart generates specific impulses, under the influence of which there is a contraction of the heart muscle. This compresses the upper and lower chambers. Each subsequent blow occurs after a certain period of time. Typically, a healthy person can count from 60 to 80 contractions in one minute. In a calm state, their number decreases, and with physical exertion, strong emotional experiences increases. As a rule, the correct functioning of the heart remains invisible to a person.
Arrhythmia. Its varieties
For various reasons, one can observe either an increased heartbeat, or, conversely, slowed down its work. The following types of arrhythmias are distinguished. Heartbeat - with this, the contractions of the organ intensify. If the heart rate tends to decrease, then they talk about bradycardia. Another type of abnormality is tachycardia. It is sinus (characterized by the fact that contractions are steadily more frequent) and paroxysmal (a sudden increase in the number of strokes). They also diagnose extrasystole (the heart contracts prematurely or out of turn). With atrial fibrillation, the rhythm of the heartbeat is chaotic and disordered.
Arrhythmia Treatments
After the specialist collects all the necessary tests for diagnosis, he prescribes the appropriate therapy. First of all, medication is used. But if cardiac arrhythmias pose a direct threat to a person’s life, then the doctor may suggest the installation of a pacemaker. It is introduced into the heart muscle and, with the help of certain manipulations, it is programmed for the required number of heart contractions. A cardioverter defibrillator may also be implanted. However, the most advanced treatment for arrhythmias is radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Reviews of experts indicate its high efficiency. In addition, when it is carried out, the cause of heartbeat disorders is completely eliminated.
History of the technique
Radiofrequency ablation of the heart was first performed in the 80s of the twentieth century. During the first manipulations of this kind, an area with dead myocardial tissues was artificially created using a laser or electrical impulses. Its location was chosen so that it contained nerve endings responsible for signal transmission between the atria and ventricles. Thus, the impulse that occurred during the period of relaxation of the organ was blocked. The next task was the invention of such a method in which no damage was caused to surrounding tissues, and the effect on the myocardium was dosed. Thus, radiofrequency ablation of the heart began to be carried out using a point electrode. In this case, no change in tissues was observed in the area that was located nearby. Her ability to conduct impulses remained. Today, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is carried out in Moscow and other cities of Russia, this method is widely used abroad.
Indications and contraindications for ablation
This method is widely used in the presence of diseases such as ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, in which they have one rhythm and the ventricles have a different one. Also, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is performed with a decrease in cardiac output, an increase in the heart. Apply this method with insufficient effectiveness of drug treatment or when there are restrictions on its use.
But each surgical intervention has its contraindications. Radiofrequency ablation of the heart is no exception. The reviews of experts suggest that its conduct is undesirable in the serious condition of the patient, the presence of inflammatory processes in the heart, impaired renal function and a rather low level of hemoglobin in the blood. Also contraindications are fever (against its background, the risk of complications increases). If the patient has high blood pressure, respiratory failure, then the doctor will undoubtedly postpone such a procedure.
Heart surgery ablation. Preparation and methodology
Surgery is performed as planned. During the preparation, hair should be removed in the groin and subclavian region. 12 hours before the appointed time, you must stop eating. It is also worth performing a bowel cleansing. A few days before the ablation, the doctor cancels the drugs that were used to improve heart rate. Before the procedure, patients with diabetes should consult a doctor about taking insulin. Surgical intervention in an x-ray operating room. First of all, the introduction of anesthesia is necessary. Then a catheter is inserted (puncture of the femoral vein or artery is necessary). X-ray control is carried out all the time. Depending on what are the causes of heart rhythm disturbance, a place for ablation is selected. The summed radiofrequency pulses warm the myocardial tissue to 60 º. There is necrosis of the site. After some time (approximately 20 minutes), the doctor evaluates the result achieved using a procedure such as radiofrequency ablation of the heart. If he suits him, then the catheters are removed and the operation ends.
Radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Complications
This method of treating arrhythmias is quite safe and less traumatic. Problems can occur in less than 1% of patients. Nevertheless, radiofrequency ablation of the heart can have the following complications: cardiac tamponade, damage to its walls or valves, pneumothorax, thrombosis. Injuries to the esophagus and arteries are also possible. You can also observe hematomas in the puncture area. Another type of complications is allergic reactions to contrast agents, which are used for x-ray control. With catheter manipulations, there is a risk of infection. Despite all this, there are a number of undoubted advantages that characterize radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Patient reviews indicate a low invasiveness of the procedure, short terms of the operation, a small recovery period.
Rehabilitation after ablation
After ablation of the heart, the patient is shown bed rest for a period of up to 24 hours. The observation period in the hospital is quite short.
The circulatory system is not disturbed. Since the operation is less traumatic, the pain is not felt, there is no need to take special pain medications, the heart rate gradually returns to normal. It is also important that
postoperative scars do not remain on the skin
, so that a cosmetological effect is also present. Thus, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is the most effective way to treat heart rhythm disturbances. Patient reviews suggest that this manipulation significantly improves well-being and contributes to long life. Repeated carrying out it is necessary only in isolated cases, however, it is still worth paying special attention to your lifestyle. Quitting smoking, alcohol, caffeine will bear fruit. It is also worth reducing salt intake. But moderate exercise is desirable.