The heart is one of the most important organs in our body. Any violations in his work can significantly worsen the quality of human life, or even lead to death. Often, patients experience a violation of the heart rhythm - arrhythmia. With such a disease, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is successfully used.
How a he althy heart works
In a normal state, the heart generates specific impulses, under the influence of which the contraction of the heart muscle occurs. This compresses the upper and lower chambers. Each subsequent strike occurs after a certain period of time. Usually in a he althy person, you can count from 60 to 80 contractions in one minute. In a calm state, their number decreases, and during physical exertion, strong emotional experiences, it increases. As a rule, the correct work of the heart remains invisible to a person.
Arrhythmia. Its varieties
For various reasons, one can observe either an increased heartbeat, or, conversely, its slow work. The following types of arrhythmias are distinguished. Heartbeat - while contractions of the organ increase. If the heart rate tends to decrease, then they talk about bradycardia. Another type of deviation from the norm is tachycardia. It can be sinus (characterized by the fact that contractions are steadily increasing) and paroxysmal (a sudden increase in the number of beats). Extrasystole is also diagnosed (the heart contracts prematurely or out of turn). In atrial fibrillation, the rhythm of the heartbeat is chaotic and erratic.
Arrhythmia treatments
After the specialist collects all the necessary tests for diagnosis, he prescribes the appropriate therapy. First of all, medical treatment is applied. But if heart rhythm disturbances pose a direct threat to human life, then the doctor may suggest installing a pacemaker. It is introduced into the heart muscle and, with the help of certain manipulations, is programmed for the desired number of heartbeats. A cardioverter defibrillator may also be implanted. However, the most modern method of treating arrhythmias is radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Reviews of experts testify to its high efficiency. In addition, when it is carried out, the cause of palpitations is completely eliminated.
History of the technique
Radiofrequency ablation of the heart was first performed in80s 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 had 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 done to the 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. At the same time, there was no change in tissues in the area that was located nearby. Her ability to conduct impulses was preserved. To date, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is carried out in Moscow, 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 another. Also, radiofrequency ablation of the heart is performed with a decrease in cardiac output, an increase in the heart. This method is used when the effectiveness of drug treatment is insufficient or when there are restrictions on its use.
But every surgery has its owncontraindications. Radiofrequency ablation of the heart is no exception. Reviews of experts suggest that its implementation is undesirable in case of a serious condition of the patient, the presence of inflammatory processes in the heart, disorders in the functioning of the kidneys and a rather low level of hemoglobin in the blood. Also, contraindications are elevated temperature (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 Method
Surgical intervention is carried out in a planned manner. During the preparation period, hair should be removed in the groin area and subclavian region. 12 hours before the appointed time, you must stop eating. It is also worth doing a bowel cleansing. A few days before the ablation, the doctor cancels the drugs that were used to improve the heart rhythm. Before the procedure, patients with diabetes should consult a doctor about taking insulin. Surgery is performed in the X-ray operating room. First of all, the introduction of anesthesia is necessary. Then the catheter is brought in (this requires a puncture of the femoral vein or artery). X-ray control is carried out all the time. Depending on what are the causes of the heart rhythm disorder, the place for ablation is chosen. The applied radio frequency pulses warm up the myocardial tissues up to 60 ºС. There is necrosis of the site. Byafter some time (about 20 minutes), the doctor evaluates the result achieved with a procedure such as radiofrequency ablation of the heart. If he is satisfied, then the catheters are removed and the operation is completed.
Radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Complications
This method of treating arrhythmia is quite safe and less traumatic. Problems may occur in less than 1% of patients. But still, 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 area of the puncture. Another type of complication is allergic reactions to contrast agents, which are used in X-ray control. There is a risk of infection during catheter manipulation. Despite all this, there are a number of undoubted advantages that characterize radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Patients' testimonials testify to the low traumatic nature of the procedure, the short duration of the operation, and a short recovery period.
Rehabilitation after ablation
After cardiac ablation, the patient is shown bed rest for up to 24 hours. The observation period in the hospital is quite short.
The work of the circulatory organs is not disturbed. Since the operation is less traumatic, pain is not felt, there is no need to take special painkillers,heart rate gradually returns to normal. It is also important that postoperative scars do not remain on the skin, so that the cosmetic effect is also present. Thus, the most effective way to treat cardiac arrhythmias is radiofrequency ablation of the heart. Feedback from patients suggests that this manipulation significantly improves well-being and contributes to long life. It is necessary to repeat it only in isolated cases, but it is still worth paying special attention to your lifestyle. Stopping smoking, alcohol, caffeine will bear fruit. You should also reduce your s alt intake. But moderate physical activity is desirable.
