How long does it take to do a cardiac ablation?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an understanding of the duration of a cardiac ablation procedure. Cardiac ablation is a procedure used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias. The **time it takes to perform a cardiac ablation** can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of arrhythmia being treated, the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the electrophysiologist, and the specific techniques used. Typically, a simple ablation procedure for a common type of arrhythmia, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), may take around 2 to 3 hours. However, more complex cases, such as persistent atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, can take 4 to 6 hours or even longer. It's important to note that the patient will often spend additional time in the hospital for pre- and post-procedure care, which includes preparation for the procedure, recovery, and monitoring. It's also worth mentioning that the actual time the catheter is ablating tissue is usually only a fraction of the total procedure time. The majority of the time is spent mapping the heart to identify the correct areas to target for ablation. Please remember that this is a general overview and individual cases can vary. It's always best to discuss the expected duration and preparation with the healthcare team managing the procedure.

Catheter ablation usually takes 2 to 4 hours. If you have more than one area of abnormal tissue, the procedure will take longer. You can usually go home the same day, or you may have to stay overnight.