Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a procedure often used to correct heart rhythm problems, also called arrhythmias. A cardiac ablation involves the use of catheters to reach the heart and correct any structural problems that may be causing the arrhythmia. During the ablation, tissue inside the heart is scarred or destroyed in order to prevent it from triggering an abnormal heart rhythm. Prior to a cardiac ablation, your physician may ask you to stop eating and drinking about eight to 12 hours before the procedure. Be sure to go over any medications you are currently taking with your physician at the initial consultation. Your physician may also give you other special instructions, depending on your specific circumstances.