Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders In South Dakota
What is a Minimally Invasive Treatment for Heart Rhythm Disorders?
Our board-certified cardiac electrophysiologists perform hundreds of cardiac ablations for heart rhythm disorders (irregular heartbeats) every year. If you or a loved-one has been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, AVNRT, or WPW syndrome a potentially curative ablation therapy may be available.
Overview of Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders
Electrophysiologists, or heart rhythm specialists, use small tubes inserted into veins (called catheters) to enter the heart, locate the problem, and use heat or cold energy to destroy abnormal tissue with the goal of restoring a normal heart rhythm. Ablation therapies are called minimally invasive procedures because open surgery is not required.
Why Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders
In patients with heart rhythm disorders, or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias, the electrical system in the heart isn’t working properly. This can result in a heart that beats too fast or too slow, and often irregular. For many patients, minimally invasive cardiac ablation therapy is recommended if:
- Medicines aren’t working to control the abnormal heart rhythm
- You can’t tolerate medication due to side effects=
- You have a potentially curable rhythm disorder such as WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), AVNRT/SVT, or atrial flutter.
- You have heart failure and atrial fibrillation
- Atrial fibrillation can’t be controlled with medication
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders
For many patients with heart rhythm disorders, called arrhythmias, minimally invasive cardiac ablation therapy changes their life. Their symptoms improve or completely resolve, energy levels and sleep improve, and certain medications are no longer required.
potential risks of Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders
Potential risks are important to discuss with your cardiac electrophysiologists. The risk of serious complications is very low, but they may include the following:
- Bleeding or blood vessel injury (<5%)
- Cardiac tamponade (<1%)
- Infection (<4%)
- Need for permanent pacemaker
- Blood clots
- Damage to heart valves (<1%)
Experienced Care for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you are having symptoms concerning for coronary microvascular disease (CMD), please call us at (605) 503-8192 to schedule an appointment with Black Hills Heart and Vascular.
