What to expect from your cardiac ablation procedure
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive way to treat irregular heart rhythms. Learn what to expect—because restoring your rhythm can restore your life.
A clear path through your cardiac ablation journey
If you’ve recently learned that you may need a cardiac ablation, it’s natural to have questions or feel uncertain.
“Cardiac ablation—also called catheter ablation—is a minimally invasive procedure that helps fix heart rhythm problems,” says Sergio Conti, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at UI Health Care.
This guide walks you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
What is cardiac ablation?
Cardiac ablation is designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias.
During the procedure, physicians use thin wires called catheters to access the heart through a vein, typically in the groin. These catheters help locate and eliminate small areas of heart tissue that are causing the irregular beats.
“We use spaghetti-like wires called catheters that go from the groin to the heart,” Conti says. “These catheters have electrodes that record the heart’s electrical activity and can also stimulate the heart to identify the problem area.
“Once we’ve pinpointed the source, we insert another catheter that can burn, freeze, or send a high-voltage impulse to destroy the abnormal tissue.”
Before your procedure
Several tests may be required in the days leading up to your ablation. These help your care team evaluate the structure and function of your heart and rule out other risks.
You may be asked to:
- Complete bloodwork
- Get an echocardiogram or transesophageal echo (to check for blood clots)
- Undergo a cardiac CT or MRI (to map your heart’s anatomy)
The night before the procedure:
- Don’t eat or drink after midnight
- Remove any makeup or nail polish
- If you take daily medication, you may be advised to take it with only a sip of water
Understand your treatment options for irregular heart rhythms
Cardiac ablation is a safe, effective way to restore your heartbeat—and your peace of mind. Learn how UI Health Care’s experts can help.
Day of the procedure
Most patients who receive a cardiac ablation are able to go home the same day.
"The day usually starts early in the morning," Conti says. "You’ll have an IV placed for fluids and medication, and the chest, back, and groin areas will be shaved to allow access."
Once you’re in the cardiac electrophysiology (EP) lab, the care team will place stickers on your chest and back to monitor heart activity.
Depending on your specific case, you may receive:
- Moderate sedation. You may doze off but can be awakened by touch or sound.
- Deep sedation. You’re harder to wake but still breathing on your own.
- General anesthesia. You’re completely asleep and breathing with the help of a ventilator.
The length of the procedure varies.
“It can be under an hour or last up to five hours,” Conti says. “It depends on where the arrhythmia originates, how many areas need treatment, and how stable the rhythm is during the procedure.”
Recovery is usually quick.
“After lying flat for four to six hours, most patients can walk the same evening,” Conti says.
Here’s what recovery typically looks like:
- Office-type job: Return in 2–3 days
- Physically active work: Wait 5–7 days
- Exercise or heavy lifting: Resume after one week
Ablation outcomes vary depending on the type of arrhythmia.
“For conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or atrial flutter, the success rate is about 90–97%,” Conti says. “For more complex rhythms like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, it ranges between 65 and 90%.”
To maintain results, lifestyle changes matter.
“The most common arrhythmia we treat is atrial fibrillation,” Conti says. “Along with a successful ablation, managing risk factors like sleep apnea, obesity, high blood pressure, and excessive alcohol intake leads to better long-term outcomes.”
Patients generally have a follow-up visit within two to three months.
“At that time, we check your heart rhythm using a monitor and review medications—adjusting or stopping them if needed,” Conti says.
Why choose UI Health Care?
Conti emphasizes the strength of the team.
“At UI Health Care, we have a team of cardiac electrophysiologists ready to take care of your heart rhythm problems. Having a large team means we have someone who specializes in all types of arrhythmias.”