Shock the heart during ablation

[starlite8]

When I was being prepared for my ablation I was told (and they did) that a paddle board would be placed under me just in case. Someone who works in a hospital said many have to be shocked during the ablation.

How is this done, what is the normal procedure?


This discussion is related to Shocking the HeartI.

[starlite8]

Thanks for your comments, it's truly appreciated.

[ed34]

Yes to be ready for shocking the heart is standard. They are basically destroying cells which are messing up the signal for heart rhythm and so there is a risk they could stop the heart or send it into VF. Even after bypass surgery they attach a wire to the heart, which protrudes from the chest, in case they need to attach a pacemaker. It's better to be ready for any situation rather than waiting to get the equipment connected to you.

[Jerry_NJ]

It is a defibrillator - often used in tv hospital shows:   "Clear"  Bam..  if it is used when you are anesthetized the only thing you'll know is what they tell you and maybe a slight slight skin burn where the paddle is stuck on.  They always used an adhesive paddle when I was in for scheduled treatment - electrocardioversion in my case.  

I do not know if this is standard practice for ablation, but I don't recall anyone else mentioning it.