Epicardial Ablation Turkey
Rhythm disorders originating from the outer surface of the heart can be treated with epicardial ablation. Rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias in the medical language, are among the most common heart diseases. Rhythm disorders are caused by the inability of the electrical impulses that cause the heart to pump blood to reach the target areas properly. Problematic foci and formations in the heart may adversely affect the transmission of these stimuli to the target areas.
These problems are usually located in the inner part of the heart wall. It is possible to eliminate these foci and negative effects on heart rhythm with classical ablation therapy. However, in some cases, the problematic foci we mentioned may be located on the outer part of the heart wall. In the treatment of these, a different ablation technique called epicardial ablation is preferred. Epicardial ablation requires different techniques and approaches because the area involved is different from conventional ablation. In this article, we will talk about both these techniques and how epicardial ablation is performed.
You can call us to get detailed information about epicardial ablation in Turkey, You can make an appointment with Associate Professor Dr. Ömer Uz.
What is Epicardial Ablation?
Epicardial ablation is a treatment used to destroy the problematic foci on the outer surface of the heart wall and their negative effects on the heart rhythm. Epicardial ablation is a very modern and advanced treatment approach. Unlike conventional ablation, this procedure is done directly outside the heart wall, not inside the heart chambers. Thanks to the application of epicardial ablation, it is possible to treat many types of arrhythmias originating from the outer surface of the heart.
So Why Do We Do Epicardial Ablation?
Epicardial ablation is performed to permanently treat rhythm disorders originating from the outer surface of the heart. Rhythm disturbances are most often caused by problematic foci and formations on the inner surface of the heart. These can be treated from the chambers of the heart, that is, from the inside, within the classical ablation application. However, some types of rhythm disorders can also occur from a region outside the heart wall. Elimination of these regions requires a different approach. Because in classical ablation treatment, it is not possible to intervene from the inner part of the heart to the outer part. A different and advanced technique is used to reach the outer surface of the heart during epicardial ablation therapy.
In Which Rhythm Disorders Epicardial Ablation Can Be Required?
Epicardial ablation can be used to treat rhythm disorders such as:
- Wolff – Parkinson – White Syndrome.
- Brugada Syndrome
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Some types of these rhythm disturbances may require epicardial ablation therapy.
What is the Risk of Epicardial Ablation?
As with any medical treatment, epicardial ablation therapy has some risks. All of these risks are as low as 1%. As with any treatment, most of the risks depend on the treatment taking place in an appropriate setting. If the treatment is carried out by an expert team in an environment where ideal conditions are provided, the risks are very low. In particular, these risks may be seen due to rhythm disorders; when compared to risks such as stroke, heart attack and death.
How to do Epicardial Ablation?
Before epicardial ablation treatment, patients are put into deep sleep with sedative drugs. In some cases, general anesthesia may also be preferred. In both cases, patients do not feel pain or discomfort during epicardial ablation.
Epicardial ablation is not performed from the inguinal region like conventional ablation. During this procedure, there is no need to reach the heart with the help of veins, since no application will be made through the heart. Epicardial ablation therapy is performed on the patient’s chest area. With the help of a catheter (thin tube) and special needles from the chest area, the pericardium is reached. Then, the harmful focus causing rhythm disturbance is removed.
The duration of epicardial ablation may vary from person to person, depending on the scope of the procedures performed.
How Long Does Epicardial Ablation Recovery Take?
After epicardial ablation, patients are hospitalized overnight. This process generally works the same way as conventional ablations. Regular patient checks are provided. The patient is discharged the next day with the decision of the doctor.
Heavy work and exercises should not be done during the recovery process. You should rest regularly for the period recommended by the doctor.
