What you can expect

Before

Pulmonary vein isolation is done in the hospital. A specialist will insert an IV into your forearm or hand and give you a medication called a sedative to help you relax.

The amount of sedation needed for the procedure depends on your specific arrhythmia and other health conditions. You may be being fully awake or lightly sedated, or you may be given general anesthesia (fully asleep).

During

The doctor inserts long, flexible tubes (catheters) through a blood vessel into your heart. The catheters may be inserted through a blood vessel in your groin (most common), shoulder or neck (less common).

Your doctor may inject dye through the catheter, which helps your blood vessels show up more clearly on X-ray images. Dye isn't always used. It depends on the specific type of ablation.

Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record your heart's electricity. Your doctor uses this information to identify the area that is causing your arrhythmia and to decide where to apply the ablation. This part of the procedure is called an electrophysiology (EP) study.

The doctor moves the catheters from the upper right chamber of your heart to the upper left chamber of your heart where your pulmonary veins connect. Heat (radiofrequency energy) or extreme cold (cryoablation) is used to create small scars in the target area and block the abnormal heart rhythms. Usually, each of the four pulmonary veins is treated during pulmonary vein isolation.

You may feel some minor discomfort when the catheter is moved into your heart and when energy is being delivered. If you have severe pain or shortness of breath, let your doctor know.

After

Pulmonary vein isolation usually takes three to six hours to complete (but it can vary a lot based on your specific type of arrhythmia).

Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area to rest quietly for a few hours. Your heartbeat and blood pressure will be monitored continuously to check for complications of the procedure.

Depending on your condition, you may go home the same day or spend the night in the hospital. Plan to have someone else drive you home after your procedure.

You may feel a little sore after your procedure, but the soreness shouldn't last more than a week. You'll usually be able to return to your normal activities within a few days after having pulmonary vein isolation.