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.
Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.
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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*