BACKGROUND

Normal Heart Rhythm.

In order for the heart to do its work (pumping blood throughout the body), it needs a sort of spark plug or electrical impulse to generate a heartbeat. Normally this electrical impulse begins in the upper right chamber of the heart (in the right atrium) in a place called the sino-atrial (SA) node. The SA node is the natural pacemaker of the heart. The SA node gives off electrical impulses to generate a heartbeat in the range of 60 to 100 times per minute.

What is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

In some hearts, an abnormal heart rhythm develops in the top part of the heart when an electrical impulse either starts from a different location other than the SA node, or follows a route (or pathway) that is not normally present. When this occurs, the heart will suddenly start racing. The heart rate is usually over 150 beats per minute and often over 200 beats per minute. Certain things in some people can trigger episodes. These include caffeine, alcohol, anxiety, exercise or sudden movements such as bending over. However, often these episodes can occur at any time without a trigger. During an episode, you will usually be aware of the rapid beating of your heart.

Other symptoms might include dizziness (blacking out may occur but is unusual), shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain and anxiety. After an episode, it is usual to feel very tired.

How does Supraventricular tachycardia occur ?

There are 3 main types of SVT. It will not always be obvious which type of SVT you have prior to the electrical study of your heart.

1. AV Nodal Re-entry Tachycardia (AVNRT)

This is the most common form of SVT. An abnormal short circuit (circular conduction) occurs near the AV node. Instead of a single AV node between the top and bottom chambers, there is a second connection that is abnormal. This extra connection has been present since birth. As a result of having 2 connections, a short-circuit can occur.

2. Atrioventricular Re-entrant Tachycardia (AVRT) and Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome (WPW)

AVRT is an abnormal electrical circuit utilising the AV node and an “accessory pathway” connecting the Atria and Ventricles. These “accessory pathways” are small electrical connections or fibres that have been present since birth. As a result of having these extra electrical connections or “accessory pathways" a short-circuit can develop resulting in palpitations. This condition is sometimes termed the Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome or WPW.

3. Atrial Tachycardia

This is the least common form of SVT. There is an extra abnormal origin of the electrical impulse from a small area in the atria other than the SA node. It is not known when or why such an extra focus develops.

Procedure Information

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency is a low power, high frequency energy that causes a tiny region of the heart near the tip of the catheter to increase in temperature, thus ablating (or cauterising) a small area of abnormal tissue. Radiofrequency energy has been used for decades by surgeons to cut tissue or to stop bleeding. For the treatment of palpitations, a much lower power of radio-frequency energy is used.

What happens during a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?

You will be transferred to the Electrophysiology Laboratory (EP lab) from your ward. Usually before leaving your ward, you will be given a light sedative and your groin will be shaved.

The EP lab has a patient table, X-Ray tube, ECG monitors and various equipment. The staff in the lab will all be dressed in hospital theater clothes and during the procedure will be wearing hats and masks.

Many ECG monitoring electrodes will be attached to your chest area and patches to your chest and back. These patches may momentarily feel cool on your skin.

A nurse or doctor will insert an intravenous line, usually into the back of your hand. This is needed as a reliable way to give you medications during the study without further injections. You will also be given further sedation if and as required. You will also have a blood-pressure cuff attached to your arm that will automatically inflate at various times throughout the procedure.

The oxygen level of your blood will also be measured during the EP study and a small plastic device will be fitted on your finger for this purpose. Your groin area and possibly your neck will be washed with an antiseptic cleansing liquid and you will be covered with sterile sheets, leaving these areas exposed.

An anaesthetist will be present for many procedures. The procedure may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedative medication or under full general anaesthetic. This will be discussed with you before the procedure.

If the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, the doctor will inject the anaesthetic to the area in the groin where the catheters are to be placed. After that, you may feel pressure as the doctor inserts the catheters but you should not feel pain. If there is any discomfort you should tell the nursing staff so that more local anaesthetic and sedative medication can be given. Occasionally it is also necessary to place a catheter in a vein in the side of the neck.

The catheters are positioned in your heart using X-Ray guidance. Once the catheters are in place you may feel your heart being stimulated and usually your abnormal heart rhythm will be induced. When the type of abnormal rhythm has been identified and the abnormal tissue localised, the radiofrequency ablation will be applied to this spot. This may cause a transient warm discomfort in the chest.

Radiofrequency ablation procedures are lengthy and the average duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

PRE/POST PROCEDURE

What happens prior to the procedure?

You will need to stop taking any medication that you have been prescribed for your abnormal heart rhythm 5 days prior to your procedure. If you are taking anti-coagulation (blood thinning) medication eg warfarin then you will need to stop this for one week prior to your procedure. If this has not been discussed with you, or if you are unsure please call us.

For procedures being performed in the morning you will usually be admitted to hospital in the evening before. For afternoon procedures you may be admitted on the morning of the procedure. Prior to the procedure you will require an ECG and blood test.

You will be required to fast for at least six hours before the study. If your procedure is in the afternoon you may have a light early breakfast. If your procedure is in the morning, DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT, except for sips of water to help you swallow your pills.

What should you expect after a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?

After your procedure you will be transferred back to your ward where you will have to lie flat for 4-6 hours. During this time, it is important to keep your legs straight and your head relaxed on the pillow.

Most patients stay in hospital overnight and their heart rhythm may be monitored during this time.

The groin area may feel sore and bruised for several weeks after the procedure. You should avoid strenuous physical activity and sports for 2 weeks after the procedure until this has settled. Most people take approximately 1 week off work.

Some people may experience minor chest discomfort and brief palpitations due to extra beats of the heart for several days after the procedure. This is due to the irritation caused by the ablation in the heart and will settle. If this persists or is not mild, it should be reported to our team.

SUCCESS RATE

What is the success rate of Radiofrequency Ablation for SVT?

The success rate of the procedure depends on which type of SVT is present but is usually approximately 95% to 98%. The risk of tachycardia returning or recurring after an apparently successful procedure is approximately 1% to 2%.

PSVT – RF Ablation