title: Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation: A Clinical Update for Nurses.
abstract: The field of electrophysiology (EP) has rapidly evolved from a focus on diagnostic procedures to an emphasis on interventions. Many cardiac arrhythmias traditionally treated with antiarrhythmic agents, cardioversion, or cardiac surgery are now routinely cured with cardiac ablation. To optimally manage the care of cardiac ablation patients, it is essential that nurses have an understanding of the EP procedures and related nursing implications. There are extensive evidence-based resources available in the medical literature; however, there are limited publications geared toward nurses caring for cardiac ablation patients.This article provides an overview of EP diagnostic and cardiac radio-frequency ablation procedures for select atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Evidence-based nursing practices related to postprocedure care will be addressed. The objective of this article is to increase nurses' knowledge of common cardiac ablation procedures and the nursing management of the patient postprocedure.
authors.affiliation: Bridget Shoulders, MS, ACNP-BC, CCRN-CMC, is nurse practitioner, Cardiology Department, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida. Jillian Mauriello, MS, AGNP-BC, CCRN, is nurse practitioner, Electrophysiology Division, Cardiology Department, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida. Tamika Shellman, MS, ANP-BC, CCRN, is nurse practitioner, Cardiology Department, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida. Corrinne Follett, MS, FNP-BC, CCRN, RCIS, is nurse practitioner, Cardiology Department, James A. Haley VA Medical Center, Tampa, Florida.
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shoulders
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mauriello
authors.forename: Tamika
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shellman
authors.forename: Corrinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Follett
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D006801:Humans; D009732:Nursing Care