Cardiac ablation in Puerto Vallarta

Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects arrhythmias by using a catheter to remove the small areas of heart tissue generating abnormal electrical signals.

Who is a candidate for ablation?

People with arrhythmias or tachycardia, especially when medication hasn’t worked or symptoms are affecting their quality of life — irregular palpitations, skipped beats, or a prior arrhythmia diagnosis.

How is the procedure performed?

Under local anesthesia and, in some cases, sedation, a catheter is guided through a vein to the heart using real-time imaging. Once the area causing the arrhythmia is located, energy is applied — either radiofrequency (heat) or cryoablation (cold) — to correct it. The procedure takes between 3 and 6 hours.

What are the benefits and risks?

Benefits: restores a normal heart rhythm, reduces palpitations and fatigue, and in many cases reduces or eliminates the need for antiarrhythmic medication.

Risks: uncommon, but can include infection at the catheter insertion site, damage to blood vessels or heart tissue, or new arrhythmias. Your cardiologist will evaluate your case before deciding if it’s the right option for you.

What is recovery like?

Hospitalization is usually 24 to 48 hours. Most patients return to their daily activities within a few days, avoiding intense physical exertion in the meantime. Mild pain or bruising at the catheter insertion site is normal.

Where can I see a cardiologist?

All three of our hospitals offer cardiology services, with 24/7 emergency care.

Content reviewed by Dr. Leonel Molina, cardiologist at Hospital CMQ · Published: August 2026.