Radiofrequency Ablation of the Heart (RFA)

It is a minimally invasive treatment for arrhythmias. Thin catheters are guided to the heart through a vessel puncture, and radiofrequency energy precisely eliminates the area that causes the rhythm disturbance. Healthy tissue is not damaged.

Atrial fibrillation and flutter, supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, WPW syndrome and extrasystole. An arrhythmologist determines the indications after an examination.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Catheter electrodes are inserted through a small puncture in a vessel, X-ray and 3D navigation are used to map the heart’s electrical activity, and a radiofrequency impulse eliminates the focus of the arrhythmia.

The puncture site is numbed with local anesthesia, and there are no incisions. The physician discusses sensations during the procedure and pain relief with the patient in advance.

An ECG at rest and during exercise, 24-hour Holter monitoring, echocardiography and an intracardiac electrophysiological study (EPS) are performed. EPS precisely identifies the source of the arrhythmia and helps plan the operation.

Usually 2–3 days. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most effective treatments for arrhythmias and in many cases eliminates the rhythm disturbance completely. The result depends on the type of arrhythmia. In atrial fibrillation a repeat procedure is sometimes needed.

Yes, some patients, more often those with atrial fibrillation, may have a recurrence. In that case the physician may recommend a repeat ablation. That is why follow-up visits after the operation are important.

In RFA the focus of the arrhythmia is eliminated with radiofrequency energy, in cryoablation with cold. Both are catheter methods. The choice depends on the type of arrhythmia and the arrhythmologist’s decision.

In many cases continuous antiarrhythmic medication is no longer needed after the procedure. The physician decides whether to stop the medication after an examination.

Yes, but these are controlled micro-scars that do not affect heart function.

For the first few days, protect the puncture site and limit physical activity. Follow-up visits to a cardiologist are usually at 3, 6 and 12 months. Your physician will give individual recommendations.

At Pirogov Clinic the operation can be performed free of charge under CHI or a quota. Paid options start from 205,000 rubles.