What are the side effects of cardiac ablation?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information on the potential side effects of a cardiac ablation procedure. Cardiac ablation is a treatment used to correct irregular heartbeats by using small burns or cold applications to destroy the tissue in the heart that's causing the abnormal rhythm. While it's often effective, like any medical procedure, it does come with potential risks and side effects. **Side effects of cardiac ablation may include:** 1. Vascular injury: There's a risk of damage to the blood vessels through which the catheter is inserted. 2. Heart damage: The procedure can sometimes cause injury to the heart muscle or the heart's valves. 3. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there's a risk of developing an infection. 4. Stroke: There's a small chance of a stroke occurring due to a blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. 5. Bleeding: Bleeding at the site of the incision or puncture is possible. 6. Blood clots: There's a risk of developing blood clots, which can lead to more serious complications. 7. Scarring: The heart tissue that's ablated may form scar tissue, which can sometimes lead to additional arrhythmias. 8. Recurrence of the arrhythmia: The abnormal heart rhythm may return after the procedure. It's important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and the benefits of the procedure often outweigh the risks for those with severe or life-disrupting arrhythmias. However, each patient's situation is unique, and a thorough discussion with a cardiologist is essential to understand the potential benefits and risks of cardiac ablation.

These are some of the side effects of cardiac ablation:Nerve damage (e.g. damage to the vagus or phrenic nerves)Damage to the artery used for the catheter insertion.Damage to heart valves and coronary arteries.Blood clots.Esophageal atrial fistula.Heart attack.Fluid around the heart.Procedure may not work.More items...