About Radiofrequency Ablation
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with no major surgical incision.High success rate in eliminating or controlling abnormal heart rhythms.Often provides a long-term solution, reducing or eliminating the need for daily medication.Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to open-heart surgery.Performed under sedation, not general anesthesia, for most patients.Utilizes advanced 3D mapping for precise targeting of abnormal heart tissue./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AFib) not controlled by medication (antiarrhythmic drugs).
- Paroxysmal or persistent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), including AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and AV reentrant tachycardia (AVRT).
- Atrial flutter that is recurrent or causing significant symptoms.
- Certain types of ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from specific sites.
- Patients who experience intolerable side effects from antiarrhythmic medications.
- To reduce the risk of stroke and heart failure associated with long-standing atrial fibrillation.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive cardiac evaluation, including ECG, echocardiogram, and often a Holter monitor.
- Blood tests to check clotting function, kidney function, and electrolyte levels.
- Discussion and possible adjustment of current medications, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants).
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure, typically after midnight.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure, as driving is not permitted.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, bruising, or infection at the catheter insertion site in the groin or neck.
- Damage to blood vessels or the heart (cardiac perforation or tamponade), which is rare but serious.
- Formation of blood clots that could lead to stroke or pulmonary embolism.
- Damage to the heart's electrical system, potentially requiring a permanent pacemaker.
- Recurrence of the arrhythmia or development of a new type of arrhythmia.
- Reaction to sedation or contrast dye used during the procedure.
- Rare risk of injury to nearby structures like the esophagus (atrio-esophageal fistula).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial 4-6 hours of bed rest to ensure the catheter site heals properly.
- Monitoring of heart rhythm and vital signs in a recovery area.
- Gradual resumption of light activities over the next 2-3 days; avoid heavy lifting for about a week.
- Adherence to prescribed medications, which may include blood thinners for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointment with the cardiologist, typically within 2-4 weeks, for an ECG and assessment.
- Reporting any symptoms like severe pain, fever, swelling at the insertion site, or palpitations to the doctor immediately.
- Avoiding strenuous exercise and driving for the period recommended by your doctor (usually 3-5 days).
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering radiofrequency ablation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for radiofrequency ablation in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform radiofrequency ablation. MediFyr helps you compare cardiologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for radiofrequency ablation compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Radiofrequency Ablation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiology teams and experience managing patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation.
Ishaan Smith, a 42-year-old high school...
Ishaan Smith, a 42-year-old high school teacher and father of two, had always been active. For the past year, he'd been plagued by episodes of a sudden, terrifyingly fast heartbeat that would strike without warning during a lesson or while playing with his kids. Diagnosed with Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT), he was initially on medication, but it left him fatigued and unable to keep up with his life. His cardiologist, Dr. Evans, recommended Radiofrequency Ablation as a potential cure, explaining it would target the tiny short-circuit in his heart's electrical system. Ishaan was anxious but desperate for a normal life. The procedure itself was done under mild sedation; he felt pressure but no pain. After a night in the hospital for observation, he was home. Recovery was quick, with only minor soreness. Now, six months later, he hasn't had a single episode. The constant fear of the next 'attack' is gone. He feels liberated, emotionally lighter, and is fully back to coaching his daughter's soccer team, filled with gratitude for getting his life and peace of mind back.
Cardiologists for Radiofrequency Ablation
Explore experienced cardiologists who regularly perform radiofrequency ablation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 7 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 55 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Cardiologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala