Cardiac ablation in greater Richmond, VA area
Cardiac Ablations
Heart rhythm problems do not always respond to medication. If your heart keeps racing, skipping, or beating out of rhythm even with treatment, an ablation may be a treatment option. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the exact area of heart tissue responsible for triggering the abnormal rhythm and eliminates the problem at its source. At Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates, our electrophysiology team performs ablation procedures for a range of heart rhythm conditions, from common supraventricular arrhythmias to more complex ventricular disorders.
Understanding Your Condition
What Is Cardiac Ablation?
During cardiac ablation, a physician uses thin, flexible tubes called catheters to access the heart through blood vessels, typically in the groin. Once in position, energy is delivered to the precise areas of tissue causing the abnormal electrical signals. This disrupts the faulty pathway, stopping it from triggering irregular beats.
Most ablation procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. The specific approach, the type of energy used, and the recovery timeline all depend on which rhythm condition is being treated.
Treatments
Ablation Procedures We Offer
VT Ablation (Ventricular Tachycardia)
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast, potentially dangerous heart rhythm that originates in the lower chambers of the heart. When medications are not controlling episodes, or when an ICD has delivered multiple shocks, ablation can help reduce the frequency of VT episodes and lower the burden on an implanted device.
SVT Ablation (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
Supraventricular tachycardia causes sudden episodes of rapid heartbeat that start above the ventricles. These episodes can feel alarming, though they are rarely life-threatening. SVT ablation has a high success rate and is often curative in a single procedure, eliminating the short circuit responsible for triggering the fast rhythm.
Atrial Flutter Ablation
Atrial flutter produces a fast but regular beating pattern in the upper chambers of the heart. It is sometimes confused with atrial fibrillation, but operates through a distinct electrical circuit. Ablation for atrial flutter is a well-established procedure with a consistently high success rate, targeting the specific loop of tissue driving the abnormal rhythm.
PVC Ablation (Premature Ventricular Contractions)
Premature ventricular contractions are extra beats that arise from the lower chambers and interrupt the normal rhythm. While occasional PVCs are common and harmless, frequent or persistent PVCs can cause fatigue, palpitations, and a sensation of the heart skipping or flopping. When PVCs are symptomatic and conservative measures have not helped, ablation can target and eliminate the site producing the extra beats.
Pulse Field Ablation (PFA)
Pulse field ablation is a newer approach that uses precisely controlled electrical pulses rather than heat or cold to modify the tissue responsible for abnormal rhythms. Because it is highly selective, it avoids damage to surrounding structures such as the esophagus and phrenic nerve. PFA is used primarily for atrial fibrillation and is associated with shorter procedure times and faster recovery compared to traditional thermal ablation methods. Our electrophysiology team has incorporated this technology to offer patients a more precise and comfortable treatment experience.
What to Expect
Before your procedure, your electrophysiology team will review your medical history, current medications, and any prior studies to confirm that ablation is the right option for you. On the day of the procedure, you will be in a cardiac procedure suite with a specialized team monitoring you throughout. Most patients are comfortable under moderate sedation or light anesthesia. After the procedure, you will be observed for a few hours before being discharged home with clear instructions for recovery and follow-up care.
Why our patients choose us
Why Choose Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates
If you have been referred for an ablation evaluation or want to discuss your options with a specialist, our team is ready to help. Schedule an appointment online or call Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates at 804.800.6600. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Experienced electrophysiology team with specialized training in catheter-based arrhythmia procedures and device management as part of a multi-specialty cardiovascular practice
Full range of ablation options including pulse field ablation, so your treatment is matched precisely to your rhythm condition and clinical situation
On-site Ambulatory Surgery Center for outpatient cardiac procedures, so your care stays coordinated and close to home without a hospital stay
On-site Ambulatory Surgery Center for outpatient cardiac procedures, so your care stays coordinated and close to home without a hospital stay
Independent private practice with over 30 years of service to Central Virginia, where your care team remains consistent from evaluation through follow-up