Cardiac arrhythmia is an alteration of the normal heart rhythm generating an irregular heart rhythm, very fast (tachyarrhythmia) or very slow (bradyarrhythmia), affecting the quality of life of the person who suffers from it. Years ago, there was no definitive treatment in Peru for complex cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias, among others; however, today there is 3D ablation, an innovative, safe and effective method. On this occasion, Dr. Richard Soto, interventional cardiologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will provide us with more information on this topic.

Symptoms and Causes of arrhythmias

The most frequent symptoms are:

• Palpitations
• Feeling short of breath
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Chest or chest pain
• Sudden sweating and weakness

Among the different causes that exist, we find:

• Coronary artery disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Sleep apnea, stress, anxiety
• Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Intake of certain medications
• Hyperthyroidism
• Obesity, diabetes and uncontrolled hypertension

Treatment for arrhythmias

The treatments that exist are varied and depend on the symptoms of each patient. However, 3D cardiac ablation is one of the best options to cure them definitively.

What is 3D ablation?

It is an advanced technology interventional cardiovascular procedure that allows the specialist to perform a three-dimensional virtual reconstruction of the heart, identifying very precisely the area where the heart rhythm disturbance is located and thus being able to apply, through catheters, radiofrequency-type energy, leaving the patient definitively cured and free of arrhythmias.

What does this procedure consist of?

• The patient does not require complex prior preparation; in some patients, certain drugs are usually discontinued prior to the procedure and others are maintained depending on the patient’s situation. It is a percutaneous, minimally invasive procedure that lasts between 2 to 4 hours depending on each patient.
• The procedure consists of inserting fine catheters into the heart, identifying the origin or critical area of the arrhythmia and then cauterizing the abnormal electrical signals that cause heart rhythm problems with radiofrequency energy.
• The recovery process is short, the patient is discharged the next day

What benefits does this intervention bring?

Currently, this approach can definitively treat arrhythmias, including those considered high-risk or complex. Among the main benefits are:

• The advanced technology equipment allows the specialist to quickly locate the exact point of ablation
• Reduce operation time
• Minimizes the risk of complications
• Reduce radiation exposure

Dr. Richard Soto
Interventional cardiologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma