Supraventricular Tachycardia Ablation

Introduction

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles. It can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and, in rare cases, syncope (fainting).

One of the most effective treatments for recurrent SVT is catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that targets the abnormal electrical pathways in the heart responsible for the arrhythmia.

What is Catheter Ablation?

Catheter ablation is a procedure used to treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It involves threading a thin tube (catheter) through a vein to the heart and delivering energy (usually radiofrequency or cryoablation) to destroy the problematic heart tissue.

Steps of the Procedure:

1. Preparation: The patient is mildly sedated, and a catheter is inserted through a vein (usually in the groin).
2. Mapping: The doctor identifies the abnormal electrical circuit causing the SVT.
3. Ablation: Radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy is applied to destroy the faulty tissue.
4. Testing: The cardiologist verifies that the SVT no longer occurs.
5. Recovery: The patient is monitored for a few hours before discharge, often on the same day.

Benefits of Ablation

• High success rate (above 95% in most cases)
• Low risk of complications
• Reduces or eliminates the need for medications
• Improves quality of life by preventing recurrent symptoms

Risks to Consider

Although generally safe, catheter ablation has some risks, including: - Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site - Rare damage to the heart or blood vessels - Possible recurrence of SVT (though uncommon)

Who Should Consider Ablation?

Patients with: - Frequent or symptomatic SVT episodes - Poor response to medication - Desire to avoid long-term medication use

Conclusion

Catheter ablation is a well-established and effective treatment for SVT. If you have recurrent episodes that affect your daily life, consult your cardiologist to discuss whether this procedure is right for you.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 American Heart Association Guideline for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000311
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033089/
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
4. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/tachycardia--fast-heart-rate
5. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2024.02.014

2. 2022 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias

1. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
2. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
5. https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/S1547-5271(22)01946-4/fulltext