Re-entry arrhythmias are a common cause of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). These forms of SVT are amenable to paramedic interventions. The long-term management of SVT can be achieved with SVT ablation. Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are procedures used to treat recurrent episodes of SVT. In this course, we follow the patient's journey beyond transport to the emergency department. You will examine and compare radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation, with a focused look at how these procedures are used to treat atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia (AVRT), and atrial flutter. You will review the advice given to a patient following the procedure and identify reasons that may cause a patient to present to paramedics after they return home from undergoing the ablation procedure.

This course is part of our advanced cardiology series aimed at advanced clinicians such as MICA Paramedics, HARU Paramedics, Critical Care Paramedics, and Intensive Care Paramedics.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe common terminology used to describe ablation procedures and equipment
• Examine the ablation procedure and evaluate the differences between radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation
• Examine the ablation procedure in the context of AVNRT, AVRT, and atrial flutter
• Identify commonly experienced symptoms following an ablation procedure.