London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Private cardiac catheter ablation
A cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). You may be referred for this treatment if abnormal heart rhythms are interfering with your quality of life.
Our leading cardiac consultants can provide a diagnosis and offer the most effective treatment for your condition.
- We're the UK's leading private electrophysiology care provider
- #1 in every aspect of arrhythmia care
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
- Be seen by a specialist within 24 hours of your enquiry
When would I need a catheter ablation?
If you feel your heart beating abnormally, you may be suffering from an arrhythmia and require a heart ablation or other treatment options. A cardiac catheter ablation treats all types of fast or irregular heart arrhythmias.
For example, you'll likely benefit from this type of treatment if you've recently been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
- Atrial fibrillation (Afib) and atrial flutter: These conditions cause the atria (upper heart chambers) to beat irregularly, making them quiver rather than contract. This lack of contraction prevents the heart's blood flow and can result in blood clots. An atrial fibrillation ablation would be necessary, and atrial flutter ablation.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): This causes episodes of fast, irregular heartbeats (up to 200 beats per minute). While the heart can still pump blood normally, repeated, long-lasting bouts of SVT can cause long-term damage.
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT): The ventricles (lower heart chambers) can start to beat independently at a rapid rate, causing a potentially dangerous arrhythmia that can result in cardiac arrest.
- Atrial tachycardia: A form of SVT that arises from a small area of tissue in the upper chambers of your heart (atria), and can be intermittent or persistent.
- Ectopic beats: Premature or extra heartbeats that can cause palpitations. They occur when cells away from your heart's natural pacemaker incorrectly release an electrical signal.
Receive a fast diagnosis from our cardiac specialists
If you're worried about an irregular heartbeat, our team of consultants can offer you peace of mind with rapid access to diagnostic tests. You'll receive your test results within two working days. We also have same and next-day GP appointments available.
The most effective cardiac ablation procedure for you
- Ranked no.1 for private electrophysiology care: We care for more than 26,000 cardiac patients each year, including carrying out over 1,000 ablations annually, with 99% saying they would recommend us to friends and family.
- Rapid access to diagnosis and treatment: We can offer appointments with a specialist within 24 hours and deliver test results within 48 hours.
- Multidisciplinary teams: We're a team of over 235 consultants, supported by multidisciplinary teams of clinical nurse specialists, level 3 ITU nurses, radiographers, psychologists and more, including experts specialising in electrophysiology.
- State-of-the-art facilities and technology: We continue to invest in the latest technology across our network. We use the latest catheter ablation technology and techniques to ensure the most effective treatment for our patients.
What is a catheter ablation procedure?
A cardiac ablation for Afib or similar conditions is carried out to stop the electrical impulses that cause irregular heart rhythms. The procedure uses either hot or cold energy, depending on your condition, to scar the heart tissue where the arrhythmia is occurring.
This scarring helps to block any abnormal electrical impulses and prevent unusual rhythms. Only the tissue associated with the faulty heart patterns will be destroyed. No enduring pain or problems with the heart's function should be caused.
You'll receive sedation or be placed under general anaesthetic before the surgery to avoid feeling any extremes of hot or cold.
What does a heart ablation procedure involve?
There are several types of catheter ablation surgery, designed to treat different heart arrhythmia conditions. Your consultant will recommend the procedure that's best suited to you.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
Cardiac radiofrequency ablation involves a cardiologist inserting a sheath (small tube) into a vein or artery, usually in the groin, to create an opening. Electrode catheters (thin tubes with wires) will then be inserted into the sheath. These catheters will be threaded through the vein or artery and up to the heart, using X-rays to guide them carefully.
Radiofrequency will deliver hot energy through the catheter and into the areas of the heart causing irregular rhythms. The ablation technique will then be used to destroy the abnormal heart tissue to block these rhythms.
You may experience slight discomfort but ablations typically involve little-to-no pain. The opening where the catheter was inserted may be sore and bruised but the small puncture wound should heal quickly.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation therapy is a procedure that uses extremely cold gas to freeze and destroy diseased tissue or abnormal cells. Your cardiologist will use a needle-like applicator called a cryoprobe.
Imaging technology will be used to locate the affected area in the heart. The intense cold of the cryoprobe's touch will freeze the abnormal tissue, destroying it. The entire procedure usually takes a few hours and you'll likely be able to go home on the same day.
Pulsed field ablation (PFA)
PF ablation uses high-voltage electrical fields to destroy the affected heart cells. While traditional heart ablation methods rely on thermal technologies, pulsed ablation doesn't require heat energy which has the potential to damage and destroy surrounding tissue. Instead, the procedure aims to preserve healthy tissue while targeting cells causing the arrhythmia with greater precision.
Catheter ablation procedures performed by leading cardiac specialists
Our expert consultants can help whether you require a cryoablation procedure for atrial fibrillation or another procedure. We deliver excellent outcomes across a wide range of complex procedures, and are trusted by more patients for electrophysiology care than any other private provider in the UK.
FAQs about catheter ablation therapy for arrhythmia
For many, a cardiac ablation can save lives. If you have an arrhythmia that can't be controlled with medication, the procedure can help to restore normal heart function and get you back to living a normal life.
One of the secondary benefits of an ablation procedure is that it's minimally invasive. It also doesn't usually require a prolonged hospital stay and you may be allowed home on the same day.
While the risks of heart ablation surgery are low and complications are rare, all major surgeries usually involve some risks. For this procedure, they can include:
- Damage to the heart tissue and valves
- Damage to the vein caused by the sheath or catheter
- Damage to the phrenic nerve, which controls your diaphragm
- Stroke or heart attack
- The need for a permanent pacemaker
Your consultant will thoroughly evaluate your heart and overall health to ensure the correct procedure is used to treat your condition. You will receive specific instructions before the surgery, which may include:
- Stopping or continuing any blood-thinning medications
- Avoiding eating or drinking several hours beforehand
- Wearing comfortable clothing and leave any jewellery and other valuables at home
- Arranging for someone to take you home after the surgery
Your condition will be monitored following the surgery to ensure you're fit to go home. You'll receive detailed instructions about your at-home care and will be expected to follow these to encourage a smooth recovery.
You should feel ready to return to work around five to seven days after the procedure, unless your job involves heavy lifting or other elements of physical labour. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week. If unsure, your consultant will advise you when it's safe to return to physical activity.
The total cost of your cardiac catheter ablation surgery depends on your bespoke treatment plan, your hospital stay and any specifics required for the procedure. You can choose to self-pay or go through your private medical insurance, which can also affect the treatment cost.
When using a private insurer, you should inform them that you'd like your treatment to be carried out by HCA UK, the UK's number-one provider of cardiac care. You can mention your preferred HCA consultant, too, if you have one.
Learn more about paying for your treatment with HCA UK today.
Request an appointment
If you're experiencing arrhythmia symptoms or have been recommended a cardiac ablation procedure, we're here to help you. Request an appointment with one of our cardiac specialists today and be seen within 24 hours.
Our catheter ablation locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.