3D Ablation

3D Ablation and Imaging Ankara

Today, ablation treatment is the most effective treatment method for most heart rhythm disorders. The history of ablation treatment, which reaches the heart with the help of thin catheters of 1-2 mm thickness and aims to completely destroy the problematic area in this region, dates back 50 years. The first catheter ablation application in the world was performed in 1981 using high voltage direct current. Of course, in this method, it was not possible to make a millimetric ablation inside the heart. Direct current was given to the heart through a catheter, and while the problematic area was being removed, the surrounding healthy heart areas were also being damaged. Technological advances have provided dizzying developments in the field of health as well as in all areas.

In the early 1990s, radiofrequency current was used instead of direct current. Subsequently, by using special catheters developed, it became possible to perform millimetric ablation with Radiofrequency energy in the heart, including only the problematic area, without damaging the surrounding tissue. Towards the end of the 1990s, a different technology emerged that allowed 3-dimensional mapping of the heart. The advantage of this method is that it offers the possibility of detailed mapping and scanning within the heart as if we had the heart in our palms. In normal or conventional ablations, we can see the heart through a two-dimensional window. For the ablation of some types of palpitations, unfortunately, the two-dimensional image is not sufficient to completely remove the problematic focus. It is possible to eliminate more complex arrhythmia focus by means of the 3-dimensional mapping systems that allow us to view the heart anatomy in more detail. Therefore, the 3-dimensional mapping system provides a great advantage in terms of successful ablation in the complete elimination of some rhythm disorders.

What are 3D Imaging and Ablation Devices and in Which Centers Are They Available?

There are several companies that manufacture 3D mapping and ablation devices. The most widely used ones in the world and in Turkey are the CARTO system and the EnSite system. In fact, these companies have carried the technology used in remotely guided missiles in the aircraft industry to the field of health. These systems create a magnetic or electric field in the laboratory. Then, the movements of the specialized catheters sensitive to this system in space are monitored with the electrodes attached to the patient. Every precise movement of this specialized catheter in space is transmitted to a computer screen. You can see videos about it on my website. In the picture below, you can see the “Right Atrium” and “Left Atrium” image created by the 3-dimensional mapping system.

The cost of 3D mapping systems is very high and about 6-7 times more expensive than normal ablations. Therefore, this technology is not available in every hospital that performs ablation. In addition, this system can be used by physicians and teams specially trained on this subject. Most advanced ablation centers have a 3-D mapping system. You can call clinic of Prof. Basri Amasyalı in Ankara and make an appointment to get information about 3-dimensional ablation treatment and its prices.

Which Ablation Technique is Used in 3D Imaging?

In 3D ablation, after the mapping is completed, the ablation process is started. With mapping, problem areas in the heart are marked. Incineration is used as the ablation method. Freezing is also used in some pediatric patients.

What are the Advantages of 3D Ablation?

The biggest advantage in 3D ablation is that we can find and mark problem areas one by one. In this way, we can go back over and over and examine the latest situation as if we had put the problem areas and points with our hands. No other system can give us this opportunity. In this way, we can be sure that we completely destroy the problem areas. In the classical ablation method, it can take a long time to find the damaged or problematic area and we do not have the opportunity to mark it. In other words, we cannot go back and control the points we burned. This poses a significant disadvantage for successful ablation. Another advantage of 3D ablation is that it considerably reduces the radiation time. This is an extremely important issue. The amount of radiation used in classical ablations can be high, especially in difficult cases. Although the process takes 2 hours in the 3-D mapping system, the radiation time does not exceed a few minutes in experienced centers.

In Which Rhythm Disorders 3D Ablation is Required?

Rhythm disturbances originating from the ventricles of the heart, described as Ventricular Tachycardias (VT) and Atrial Fibrillation and atypical Atrial Flatter are the arrhythmias that most often require 3-Dimensional mapping ablation or the CARTO system. In addition, some patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, patients with complex palpitations or tachycardias such as Brugada Syndrome and Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) also require 3-Dimensional ablation (CARTO). In addition, 3-Dimensional mapping and ablation can be required, especially in patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) accompanied by structural heart disease.

When I Am Discharged After 3D Ablation?

Ablation with the CARTO or EnSite system requires no additional hospital stay. Like patients with normal ablation, most patients are discharged after 24 hours.

You can contact our clinic for more detailed information about 3D ablation treatment and prices in Ankara.

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