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.