After you become drowsy, the doctor will numb the catheter insertion site by injecting a medication. The doctor will then insert several catheters into large veins on both sides of your groin and in your neck.

A transducer is inserted through one of the catheters so intracardiac (from inside the heart) ultrasound can be performed during the procedure. The ultrasound allows the doctor to view the structures of the heart and evaluate pulmonaryblood flow on an external monitor.

The catheters will be advanced through the blood vessels to your right atrium. A needle is then used to pass the catheters through the septum and into the left atrium.

After the catheters are in place, the doctor will look at the monitor and assess your heart's conduction system. Energy is delivered through the catheter’s tips tothe area around the pulmonary vein openings to stop the abnormal impulses.

You will be connected to several monitors that will check your heart rhythm and your body's responses to any arrhythmias during the procedure. The nurse will constantly assess you during the procedure.

These monitors are used during the procedure:

DEFIBRILLATOR/CARDIOVERTER - paces your heart rate if it is too slow or too fast.

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM OR EKG -monitors of the electrical impulses traveling through the heart.

MAPPING SYSTEM -helps your doctor locate the exact area of your arrhythmia.

OXIMETRY MONITOR -monitors the oxygen level of your blood.

FLUOROSCOPY -helps the doctor see the catheters on an x-ray screen during the procedure.

INTRA-CARDIAC ULTRASOUND -view structure of the heart and catheter when in contact with the heart lining.



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