title: Radiofrequency catheter ablation--Part 1: Pre- and post-procedure nursing responsibilities.
abstract: Radiofrequency ablation as a treatment for supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias has increased in popularity as a safe and effective mode of therapy. The critical care nurse's role includes pre-procedure, peri-procedure, and post-procedure observations and interventions that contribute to positive patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Nurse Electropysiology Laboratory, New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Cliff
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Blazewicz
mesh_terms: D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D013617:Tachycardia, Supraventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*