Transcatheter ablation of tachyarrhythmias: an overview and case studies.
Transcatheter ablation techniques have recently been introduced as a treatment for patients with refractory tachyarrhythmias. These techniques include delivery of high energy direct-current (DC) or low energy radiofrequency (RF) current to permanently interrupt electrical conduction or activity in a region of arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue. Regardless of the technique, however, transcatheter ablation is a complex procedure that requires close collaboration of physicians and nurses in order to enhance the potential for achieving a successful outcome. Because cardiovascular nurses play a pivotal role in caring for a patient undergoing transcatheter ablation, this article presents the technique and the associated nursing care of two patients undergoing this treatment modality.
Teplitz
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Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000451:nursing; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000451:nursing; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*