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Is it possible to treat heart blockages by radiofrequency ablation?

Dr OP Yadava
CEO & Chief Cardiac Surgeon,
National Heart Institute,
New Delhi

Q: My father is suffering from 3-vessel heart disease. We have got to know that radiofrequency ablation method can be used to remove the blockages in the arteries. Kindly let us know whether it is true or not.

A:Radiofrequency ablation is a technique used for irregular rhythms of the heart and not for opening blocked arteries. For opening blocked arteries, either one has to resort to coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous interventions in form of stenting (balloon angioplasty). I think in these matters, you should consult your treating cardiologist, who has access to your angiography film and only on first hand viewing of the angiography film, can an appropriate decision be made.