Tests and Procedures

Ventricular tachycardia ablation

Risks

Cardiac ablation carries a risk of complications, including:

  • Bleeding or infection at the site where your catheter was inserted
  • Damage to your blood vessels where the catheter may have scraped as it traveled to your heart
  • Puncture of your heart
  • Damage to your heart valves
  • Damage to your heart's electrical system, which could worsen your arrhythmia and require a pacemaker to correct
  • Blood clots in your legs or lungs (venous thromboembolism)
  • Stroke or heart attack
  • Narrowing of the veins that carry blood between your lungs and heart (pulmonary vein stenosis)
  • Damage to your kidneys from dye used during the procedure
  • Death in rare cases

Discuss the risks and benefits of cardiac ablation with your doctor to understand if this procedure is right for you.