Cardioneural Ablation

What are the Goals of the Cardioneural Ablation Procedure?

To treat the recurring sudden drops in heart rate that causes a person to faint. 

What are the risks of Cardioneural Ablation?

Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed to treat certain cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Here are some potential risks associated with cardiac ablation procedures in general: 

It’s important to note that the risks and potential complications associated with any medical procedure can vary depending on the individual case. Your provider will discuss risks with you at your visit. 

Why Should I have the Cardiac Ablation Procedure with South Denver Cardiology?

Dr. Dan Alyesh  and Dr. Sri Sundaram , routinely perform ablations. Our center has consistently maintained a lower rate of complications compared to the average rate seen in the literature. While this procedure is relatively new, both Dr Sundaram and Dr Alyesh have the most experience with this procedure in Colorado.  

Our group has been at the forefront of publishing in this space. Here is a link to a couple of our papers: 

What happens during the procedure? 

Cardioneural Ablation is a way to help people with certain heart problems. It uses a technique called radiofrequency ablation to treat the parts of the nervous system that affect the heart. This involves using special tools to remove or disrupt the connections between the nerves and the heart in areas called ganglia. By doing this, doctors hope to reduce the influence of the parasympathetic autonomic system, which can cause problems for some patients. 

Where is it done? 

The procedure is done in an Electrophysiology Lab at Porter Adventist Hospital or Swedish Medical Center. 

How long does it take? 

Approximately 2-3 hours 

What type of anesthesia is used?

General anesthesia or moderate sedation  

What happens right after the procedure?

Should I anticipate same-day discharge or staying the night?   

Typically, you get to go home the same day. If the procedure is later in the day or if there are concerns post-procedure, you will stay overnight. 

After a cardioneural ablation procedure, the specific feelings and experiences can vary from person to person. However, here are some common experiences and sensations that patients may typically encounter during the recovery period: 

It’s important to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your medical team. This may include restrictions on physical activities, avoiding certain medications, and scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. 

Remember that everyone’s experience can differ, and it’s essential to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. They will be able to provide personalized guidance and support throughout your recovery. 

What is my expected recovery course? 

You can drive 24 hours after your procedure.  However, you may be sore and may want to wait longer to drive, especially long distances.  After an ablation, the activity restrictions aim to prevent groin incision bleeding. Any activities that involve a lot of movement in the groin region or those that increase pressure in the abdomen will also put pressure on the blood vessels where the incision(s) were made. Therefore, during the first 4-7 days after the ablation, avoid heavy lifting (more than 10 lbs), straining during bowel movements, excessive bending over, stooping, walking long distances, running, or climbing many flights of stairs. You may resume normal activity 1 week after the ablation.  It takes 3 months for the heart cells to heal after an ablation to know if the procedure was successful.  

Note on Pre-Op and Post-Op instructions:  The most up-to-date pre- and post-operative instructions will be the ones provided to you during your pre-op visit & on your hospital DC instructions given to you when checking-out of the hospital.

Helpful Resources

Resources

Preoperative Instructions

View PDF

Postoperative Instructions

View PDF