Pulmonary Vein Isolation (pvi)
Cardiac Catheter Ablation with Pulmonary Vein Isolation procedures are performed by St. Paul Heart Clinic electrophysiologists to treat or cure atrial fibrillation.
Before your ablation procedure:
You will be asked to arrive at 6:00 am on the day of the procedure. Your procedure will begin at approximately 8:00 or 9:00 am.
About 2 weeks prior to your procedure, you will be asked to have a pre-procedure physical done at the St. Paul Heart Clinic by a Nurse Practitioner. On this day you will also talk with an electrophysiology Nurse Clinician. The Nurse Clinician will explain and discuss the procedure and show pictures of the equipment used to perform the procedure. We will also review the benefits of and discuss the risks associated with having the ablation procedure. We will describe what to expect the day of the procedure and your recovery period. Be prepared to ask questions and share any concerns you may have. After discussing the risks and rationale of the procedure you will be asked to sign a consent form.
During this appointment you will be given further instructions:
- When to stop eating and drinking before the procedure
- What medications to stop before your procedure (including blood thinners, diabetic agents and anti-arrhythmic drugs)
- Medications to start before your procedure
- Arrival time and location for the procedure
- You will also be asked to bring a current list of your medications on the day of your procedure
You will be scheduled for a cardiac MRI or a cardiac CT scan about 1-2 weeks prior to the date of your ablation procedure. This advanced imaging takes pictures of your heart that are used to assist the physician while performing your ablation procedure.
You will also be scheduled for a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) about 3-5 days before your ablation procedure. This ultrasound test helps to verify that you do not have a blood clot in your left atrium and ensures that it is safe for us to proceed with your ablation.
After your ablation procedure:
You will stay in the hospital overnight after your procedure for observation. You will be required to remain in bed for several hours after the procedure. When you are discharged the day after your procedure, you will be given instructions concerning incision care, activity restrictions and medications. These instructions will include:
- You can shower 1 day after the procedure
- You will not be able to lift, push or pull more than 10 pounds for 1 week
- No strenuous activity for 1 week
- Return to work guidelines (Most people can return to work about 7-10 days after their ablation procedure, unless their job requires heavy lifting)
- Driving guidelines (Most people resume driving 2-3 days after the procedure)
- Follow-up care at St. Paul Heart Clinic
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