Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Sydney
Arrhythmia — sometimes known as an irregular heartbeat — is a condition where the electrical system within the heart isn’t functioning properly, causing the heart to beat too slow, too fast or even to skip beats entirely. There are a wide variety of causes and underlying conditions that can cause arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia. If you suspect you may be suffering from arrhythmia, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Although some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, some of the most common signs are chest pain, dizziness or a fluttering in the chest.
While there are a variety of ways that different types of arrhythmias can be treated, cardiac radiofrequency ablation is emerging as an increasingly popular option. It can serve as an effective long-term solution for treating issues with irregular heartbeats and can also be effective in situations where medication or pacemakers have proven ineffective.
As a cardiac pioneer, Dr Ajita Kanthan is well-known across Australia for his work treating a wide variety of cardiac conditions. One of his specialities is addressing arrhythmia — and the underlying conditions that cause it — via radiofrequency ablation. So if you’ve been researching treatments or received a referral for radiofrequency ablation in Sydney, get in touch with the clinic today. We’ll be more than happy to discuss your treatment options with you.
FAQs
What is radiofrequency ablation?
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Cardiac radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to burn away unwanted tissue within the heart. It’s a well-controlled and safe procedure, carried out in a manner that minimises risk while helping to correct the electrical impulses that were causing the heart to beat erratically.
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How is cardiac radiofrequency ablation performed?
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Dr Kanthan performs radiofrequency ablation in Sydney via a catheter inserted via an incision in the leg. No open heart surgery is required, so you can generally return home the next day.
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Is radiofrequency ablation painful?
The procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. It’s not unusual to feel some leg discomfort, bruising for a few days afterwards, but it’s rare to experience serious pain as a result of the procedure.
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How often can radiofrequency ablation be done?
In certain cases, it’s necessary to carry out the procedure more than once for the best results. Additionally, the problem areas which have been burned away can also “heal”, which can cause a recurrence of the problematic tissue. In these cases, the procedure can be carried out multiple times over a period of years, though the specifics would be discussed with Dr Kanthan on a case-by-case basis.
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What are the possible side-effects of radiofrequency ablation?
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As with any procedure related to the heart, there are certain risks attached to cardiac radiofrequency ablation and depends on the rhythm being treated. These risks can be discussed in more detail with Dr Kanthan’s surgery team as part of your consultation.
