We cooperate with Medicover Hospital
Our patients have access to full cardiovascular care, from prophylactic examinations, to conservative treatment, to advanced cardiovascular, to electrophysiological procedures.
At the Cardiology Centre, patients can book consultations with specialist doctors and have the following non-invasive diagnostic tests done: echocardiography, a stress test, ECG Holter monitoring, and BP Holter monitoring.
At the Hospital patients can undergo a full range of haemodynamic tests (to examine coronary vessels) and electrophysiological tests (to evaluate cardiac arrhythmias). If necessary, you can also receive invasive cardiological and cardiac surgical treatment
ABLATION
Catheter ablation is a procedure intended to treat abnormal heart rhythms. It is performed with the use of special thin catheters that are inserted into the heart through the vessels. During the procedure small areas of the heart tissue are being destroyed with different types of energy, most often radiofrequency current or cryoenergy.
Ablation is very effective and safe. It is indicated when drugs are not tolerated or ineffective. Generally, however, ablation is much more effective than drugs. Success rates differ depending on the type of arrhythmia treated but in most cases they exceed 70%. Ablation is performed in a dedicated electrophysiology laboratory and in most cases it takes up to two to four hours.
In our hospital ablations are performed by a team of qualified electrophysiologists who gained their experience in leading national and foreign centres. We treat all types of arrhythmias with the use of different techniques, including CARTO system and cryoballoon ablation. We specialise in ablation of atrial fibrillation. Over the last 500 ablations of atrial fibrillation we did not experience any serious complications that would permanently affect patients’ health. We have also experience in ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and patients with heart defects.
To be qualified for ablation you must be consulted by the doctor. Apart from discussion concerning your medical history in most cases you should have the following examinations:
- ECG
- 24-hour Holter ECG
- Exercise stress test
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
Generally examination should not be older than six months.
In some case we require further examinations e.g. coronary angiography or trans esophageal echocardiography. This is decided by the qualifying physician
How should I prepare for catheter ablation
- Tell your doctor about any medicines you take . Prior the ablation you may be asked to start or discontinue some drugs. This will be precisely stated by the doctor. Don’t stop taking your medicines until your doctor tells you to.
- you’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 to 8 hours before the procedure.
- In most cases catheters are inserted through femoral vessels. That’s why the groins should be thoroughly shaven shortly prior the ablation
- After the ablation you usually stay in hospital for 24-48 hours
- Before you leave the hospital, you will be given instructions about what to do at home.
- Aspirin is often prescribed for 2 to 4 weeks to minimize risk of clot formation at ablation sites.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs and/ or anticoagulants are sometimes continued for a few weeks after ablation.
- Normal activities may be resumed within a couple of days. Strenuous exercise are permitted after 1-2 months.
