Treating AFib is very important as the condition can lead to stroke, heart disease, and other complications. Some patients may be concerned about treating AFib through a catheter ablation because they have read a large portion of the procedure requires radiation. However, Dr. Dilip Mathew uses a low-radiation technique originally developed in France called the CARTO 3 System.
What is CARTO 3?
Electrophysiologists have to be mindful of the radiation levels they expose their patients to before, during and after surgery. The CARTO 3 System not only decreases radiation, but also increases the quality of care during the procedure because your surgical team is working with a 3D image of the heart instead of a traditional 2D image. Even only a few years ago, the techniques used during an ablation could include up to two CT scans and 60 minutes of fluoroscopy to position catheters. That equated to a roughly .01 percent increase in lifetime risk of cancer. The CARTO 3 System eliminates the CT scans and decreases the time of fluoroscopy to less than five minutes. Instead, doctors use ultrasound and 3D imaging to map a patient’s heart.
Patients who should avoid radiation
There are many reasons for all patients to avoid exposure to an excess of radiation, but the CARTO 3 System specifically is beneficial to those who have a family history of cancer. Patients who have family members who have been diagnosed with cancers that tend to be genetic, such as breast cancer, are especially glad to be able to resolve their AFib through catheter ablation without high levels of radiation exposure.
If you or a loved one are living with a heart rhythm disorder, contact Heart Rhythm Consultants. Dr. Dilip Mathew is board certified in Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology and has been serving patients in Sarasota and surrounding cities including Venice, Tampa and Sun City Center for over a decade.
