Catheter Ablation: Before Your Child's Procedure
What is a catheter ablation?
A catheter ablation may be done if there is a problem with your
child's heartbeat (heart rhythm). This procedure destroys (ablates)
tiny areas of the heart that are causing the heart rhythm problem.
This should not affect the heart's ability to do its job.
The doctor puts thin tubes called catheters into blood vessels in
your child's groin, arm, or neck. The tubes are guided to your
child's heart. There is an electrode at the tip of each tube. The
electrode helps the doctor find the problem areas. Then the doctor
uses the electrode to send energy to destroy the areas of heart
tissue that are causing the problem.
Your child will get medicines to feel relaxed or to sleep. Medicines
also numb the areas where the catheters go in. Your child may feel a
little pressure when the catheters go in.
After an ablation, your child may have to stay in the hospital.
How do you prepare for the procedure?
Procedures can be stressful for both your child and you. This
information will help you understand what you can expect. And it
will help you safely prepare for your child's procedure.
Preparing for the procedure
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Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements,
and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase
the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor
will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them
before the procedure and how soon to do it.
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What happens on the day of the procedure?
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Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop
eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled.
If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on
the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a
sip of water.
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Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should
bathe or shower before the procedure. Do not apply lotion or
deodorant.
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Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to
swallow any toothpaste or water.
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Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's
glasses or contact lens case.
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Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A
special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an
older child, it might be a book or music.
At the hospital or surgery center
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A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
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Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia
provider. Your child may get medicine to bring on a light sleep or
to help your child relax. The area being worked on will be numb.
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This procedure can take 2 to 6 hours. In rare cases, it can take
longer.
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After the procedure, your child will be taken to the recovery
room. As your child wakes up, the recovery staff will monitor your
child's condition. The doctor will talk to you about the
procedure.
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Pressure will be applied to the area where the catheter was put in
the blood vessel. Then the area may be covered with a bandage or a
compression device. This will prevent bleeding. Nurses will check
the area often.
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If the catheter was put in your child's groin, your child will
need to lie still and keep the leg straight for up to a few hours.
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If the catheter was put in your child's neck or arm, your child
may be able to sit up right away. If it was in an arm, your child
will need to keep the arm still for at least 1 hour.
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Your child may have a bruise or a small lump where the catheter
was put in the blood vessel. This is normal and will go away.
When should you call your doctor?
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare
professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or
this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
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