Catheter Ablation

Catheter Ablation is often used in the evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The catheter ablation procedure uses radio waves or freezing to silence an abnormal area in the heart's electrical system, which is usually found during an electrophysiology study.

A catheter ablation is an invasive procedure done in the electrophysiology laboratory, which means that a catheter (hollow tube) is inserted into the heart through a vessel in the groin or arm. The procedure is done in a manner similar to the electrophysiology studies (EPS). Once the site of the arrhythmia has been determined by EPS, the catheter is moved to the site. By use of a technique such as radiofrequency ablation (very high frequency radio waves are applied to the site, heating the tissue until the site is destroyed) or cryoablation (an ultra-cold substance is applied to the site, freezing the tissue and destroying the site), the site of the arrhythmia may be destroyed.

A catheter ablation procedure can be done on either an inpatient or outpatient basis depending on the St. John’s physician’s decision and the severity of the patient’s condition. This decision will be made by the patient and their St. John’s cardiologist.

Catheter ablation procedures are typically done at the St. John’s Mercy Heart Hospital. The St. John’s Mercy Heart Hospital brings our successes and experience in cardiovascular medicine to one unique facility. The nine–level, 340,000 square foot Heart Hospital provides comprehensive care, subspecialty expertise and leading-edge options. St. John's Mercy Heart Hospital is the first in St. Louis devoted to cardiovascular medicine.

Our team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and other medical professionals provide advanced treatment options and technologies in a state-of-the-art healing environment.

For more information about catheter ablations and the Heart Hospital, please call 1-866-78-HEART.