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Procedure

Catheter Ablation

Definitive treatment for many heart-rhythm disorders

Catheter ablation is a hospital-based procedure that uses thin flexible catheters threaded into the heart through a vein in the leg to precisely target and silence the cardiac tissue responsible for an abnormal rhythm. Energy is delivered as radiofrequency (heat), cryoablation (cold), or — in newer cases — pulsed-field electroporation, creating small scars that block the electrical short circuits. Ablation is the most effective treatment available for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, and many ventricular arrhythmias.

What's Included

  • Pre-procedure imaging and rhythm mapping
  • TEE or intracardiac echo to exclude atrial clot
  • Electrophysiology study to map the arrhythmia precisely
  • Targeted radiofrequency, cryo, or pulsed-field ablation
  • Verification that the arrhythmia is no longer inducible
  • Anticoagulation management before and after
  • Personalized maintenance plan with Dr. Kedan

How It's Performed

Ablation is performed in an electrophysiology lab at Cedars-Sinai under conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Several catheters are advanced from the femoral vein in the leg into the heart under live imaging. The electrophysiologist maps the precise origin of the arrhythmia using sophisticated 3D systems, then delivers energy to the target tissue. Total procedure time is typically 2 to 4 hours depending on the rhythm.

How to Prepare

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure.
  • Take anticoagulation exactly as directed — do not stop on your own.
  • Arrange overnight hospitalization in most cases.
  • Stop antiarrhythmic medications only if specifically instructed.
  • Arrange a driver and someone to stay with you the first night home.

What to Expect After

Most patients are observed overnight and discharged the next day. Mild groin tenderness at the catheter sites is common. Anticoagulation continues for at least 2 to 3 months, and a brief blanking period of 8 to 12 weeks is expected during which early recurrences may occur. Dr. Kedan coordinates close follow-up — including ambulatory monitoring at 3 and 6 months — to confirm long-term success and adjust medications as needed.

Indications

  • Symptomatic atrial fibrillation, especially when medications are ineffective or poorly tolerated
  • Atrial flutter
  • Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
  • Frequent symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
  • Ventricular tachycardia in selected patients
  • Recurrence after prior cardioversion or medication trials

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is catheter ablation?
It is a hospital-based procedure that uses thin catheters threaded into the heart through a leg vein to precisely silence the tissue responsible for an abnormal rhythm. Energy — usually radiofrequency heat or cryothermal cold — creates small targeted scars that block the electrical short circuit causing the arrhythmia.
Where is it performed?
At Cedars-Sinai in an electrophysiology lab. Dr. Kedan coordinates the procedure with the electrophysiology team and remains involved in pre- and post-procedural care.
How long does it take?
2 to 4 hours for most ablations, occasionally longer for complex cases. Most patients stay overnight and go home the next day.
Is it painful?
You are under conscious sedation or general anesthesia during the procedure, so you should feel little to nothing. Mild groin tenderness at the catheter sites is common for a few days afterward.
How do I prepare?
Fast for 8 hours before the procedure, take anticoagulation exactly as directed, arrange overnight hospitalization, and have a driver and overnight support at home. The procedural team will give you specific instructions about which medications to hold.
What are the risks?
Ablation is performed safely thousands of times a day. Risks vary by procedure type and include bleeding at the catheter site, vascular injury, stroke, cardiac perforation requiring drainage, and damage to nearby structures. The procedural team reviews all risks in detail during informed consent.
How successful is it?
Success rates vary by rhythm. SVT and typical atrial flutter ablations are curative in well over 90% of cases. Atrial fibrillation ablation is highly effective but may require a touch-up procedure to maintain long-term rhythm control — success at 1 year is typically 70% to 85% depending on patient factors.
What does recovery look like?
Most patients return to normal activity within a week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for about a week. A blanking period of 8 to 12 weeks is expected during which the ablated tissue is healing and brief recurrences do not predict long-term outcome.
Who manages follow-up?
Dr. Kedan coordinates closely with the electrophysiology team and manages your follow-up rhythm monitoring, medication adjustment, and long-term cardiovascular care.
How do I schedule one?
Ablation is typically planned after rhythm-control evaluation, imaging, and discussion of all options. Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555 to begin the conversation.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.