Question Title: ablation?

What determines the difference between sinus tach and SVT? I take lanoxin
and calan and had these episodes when wearing the monitor. Rapid heartrate
of 120-160 sometimes lasting for 2-3 hours.

What is the procedure call ablation? What is accomplished by this procedure
and how involved is it?

What is a catheter-based procedure? What is accomplished by this preceudre
and how involved is it?

Do these procedures require being put to sleep or sedated?

How serious is this condition?

What level of concern should I have for either of these procedures?

Thanks

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Dear Sandra,
Firstly read what Jamie and D.O. have replied as they provide a direct web site
reference and a very excellent review of what SVT ablation is all about.
Sinus tachycardia is quite different than SVT, and sinus tachycardia is normal and
expected in some situations. Inappropriate sinus tachycardia is a rare problem compared
with SVT, as well the treatment varies significantly. Just as D.O. said in her reply
you need to discuss all these issues with your electrophysiologist (EP doctor), including
what your actual diagnosis is.
As you can see, ablation is a catheter based technique whereby small wire like catheters
are inserted in to the femoral(leg) vein (usually via the right groin) and advanced with
flouroscopic guidance (X-Ray) to the heart where they can be used for all sorts of things-like
stimulating and electrically mapping your arrhythmia, as well as ablating the area that sets up the
arrhythmia with the tip of one of the catheters that delivers a little bit of heat at its tip in order
to create a small burn at the site of interest. I will leave you to read the explanation by D.O. and Jamie
as to what kind of anesthesia you will get prior to an ablation as their answers are very comprehensive.
As for the success of an ablation, it does depend on the arrhythmia, but in general it ranges in the 95-98%
range. Speak directly with the EP doctor regarding the exact risk of undergoing such a procedure because although
low in general, it is certainly not without risk.
There are instances when an SVT can be life-threatening, and not simply an inconvience, so keep that in mind
when you discuss risks and benefits of ablation with your EP.
I hope that this information has been useful, please write back if you have any
further questions.
Information provided in the heart forum is intended for general medical informational
purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made by your physician(s).

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