Procedure in Azerbaijan
Catheter ablation for arrhythmia in Azerbaijan
An electrophysiology study and catheter ablation for certain heart rhythm disorders, planned after a cardiologist reviews your ECG and Holter results.
Typical figures. The exact plan is confirmed by the treating doctor after the medical review.
Catheter ablation for arrhythmia in Azerbaijan is performed at licensed clinics in Baku by cardiologists who specialise in heart rhythm disorders. A thin catheter is passed through a vein in the groin to the heart, an electrophysiology study locates the area causing the abnormal rhythm, and that small area is treated with targeted energy to stop the faulty signals. The cardiologist decides whether ablation suits your type of arrhythmia.
Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and some fast heart rhythms are among the arrhythmias that may be treated this way. You send your ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography and reports, the cardiologist gives a preliminary opinion and we prepare a written estimate. Fainting, chest pain or a sudden fast rhythm that makes you feel unwell need emergency care at home without delay. MedAzerbaijan is a coordinator, not a clinic.
Who it may suit
- People with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter whose symptoms continue despite medicines
- Patients with episodes of fast heartbeat, such as supraventricular tachycardia, recorded on ECG
- Those who do not tolerate rhythm medicines well and want to discuss other options with a cardiologist
- People who have been referred for an electrophysiology study by their own cardiologist
- Patients who are stable and fit to fly, as the doctors confirm
How the procedure is organised
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1
Review of ECG and Holter
You send ECG recordings, ideally taken during an episode, Holter results, echocardiography and previous reports. The cardiologist assesses whether ablation is likely to help, and we prepare a written estimate.
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2
Examination in Baku
The cardiologist examines you and orders blood tests, a repeat ECG and echocardiography, and before ablation for atrial fibrillation sometimes an additional scan to rule out clots in the heart. Blood thinners and rhythm medicines are adjusted by the doctor before the procedure.
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3
Electrophysiology study and ablation
Thin catheters are passed through a vein in the groin under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, as the team decides. The procedure often lasts a few hours, the energy may be heat or cold, and the cardiologist chooses the method.
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4
Observation in hospital
You lie flat for several hours so that the groin puncture can seal, while the heart rhythm is watched on a monitor. Most patients stay one or two nights.
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5
Check before flying home
The cardiologist checks the puncture site and ECG, explains which medicines to continue and confirms when travelling is safe, usually a few days after the procedure.
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6
Follow-up at home
You receive a discharge summary in Russian or English. A repeat ECG or Holter at home is usually advised in the following months, and we pass the results and your questions to the cardiologist in Baku.
What the cost depends on
The cost of catheter ablation is calculated individually. It depends on the type of arrhythmia, the complexity of the procedure, the catheters and equipment needed, the hospital stay and the tests beforehand. After the cardiologist reviews your ECG and other results, we send a written estimate before you travel, so you know in advance what is included.
- Type of arrhythmia and complexity of the procedure
- Catheters and other materials used
- Hospital stay and rhythm monitoring
- Tests and imaging before ablation
- Accommodation for a companion
Recovery and the trip home
- Light everyday activity is usually possible within a few days, while heavy lifting and hard exercise are postponed for about a week or as the doctor advises.
- A bruise or slight soreness in the groin is common for several days.
- After ablation for atrial fibrillation, some irregular beats may still occur in the first weeks or months while the heart heals, and blood thinners are usually continued for a period the cardiologist decides.
- Flying home is usually possible a few days after the procedure if the cardiologist agrees.
Included in our coordination
- Personal coordinator
- Medical review
- Interpreter at the clinic
- Visa and invitation
- Airport and clinic transfers
- Accommodation
- Support for companions
- Follow-up at home
Documents for the medical review
Send whatever you already have. If something is missing, the doctor will tell you what else is needed.
- ECG recordings, ideally taken during symptoms
- Holter or other rhythm monitoring results
- Echocardiography report
- Reports from your cardiologist, including any previous ablation or electrophysiology study
- A list of your current medicines, especially blood thinners and rhythm medicines
- Recent blood tests, including kidney and thyroid function
Frequently asked questions
Is ablation suitable for atrial fibrillation?
It may be, especially when symptoms continue despite medicines. The decision depends on the type and duration of atrial fibrillation, the size of the heart chambers and your general health. Before travelling you can book an online consultation and discuss the options with the cardiologist.
Can I come during an attack of arrhythmia?
No. Fainting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath or a fast rhythm that does not settle need an ambulance and treatment at home immediately. A trip is suitable only for planned treatment when your condition is stable and your doctor agrees.
Do I need to stop blood thinners before ablation?
Do not stop or change them on your own. The cardiologist decides whether to continue, pause or adjust them before and after the procedure and gives you clear written instructions.
Is a pacemaker an alternative to ablation?
A pacemaker usually treats a different problem, mainly a heart rhythm that is too slow or has pauses. If your tests show such a rhythm, the cardiologist may discuss pacemaker implantation as another option. Whether ablation, medicines or a pacemaker suits you is decided after examination.
How long does arrhythmia treatment in Baku take, including the trip?
Usually five to seven days. This covers the consultation and tests, the ablation, one or two nights in hospital and a check before the flight. Many doctors in Azerbaijan speak Russian, and an interpreter joins you when needed.
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Send your reports and receive a treatment plan
Tell us about your condition. A coordinator will reply in your language, and the specialist will review your documents.