Nemocnice Na Homolce performed the world’s first cryoballoon catheter ablation in 2004, a milestone in cardiac care. Its cardiology department now performs up to 3,500 catheterisation procedures annually, including catheter-based heart treatments. The Prague hospital is designated a Comprehensive Cardiovascular Centre, bringing together multidisciplinary heart care. It also holds JCI accreditation, reflecting international quality and safety standards.
","text_type":"mt_wow_description","best_texts":{"techniques":"Cryoballoon catheter ablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE), catheter-based ablation","why_its_ranked":"Performed the world's first cryoballoon catheter ablation and pioneered pulsed field ablation, a next-generation technique. JCI-accredited centre handling up to 3,500 catheterisation procedures annually."},"agency_settings":[{"setting_name":"is_new","setting_value":"0"},{"setting_name":"kids_only","setting_value":"0"}],"reviews":[],"clinic":{"id":68,"alias":"nemocnice-na-homolce","name":"Nemocnice Na Homolce ","logo":"https://s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/bookimed/clinic_logo/68-6ac3a2c8b6884.png","short_description":"Nemocnice Na Homolce is a JCI-accredited state hospital in Prague. It pioneered the world's first wireless pacemaker. Core specialties include cardiovascular care, neurosurgery, and diagnostics.
This therapy employs a catheter to safely eliminate problematic electrical pathways in the heart, enhancing heart rhythm.
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Heavy physical work may need longer."},"complication_rate_pct":{"min":2,"max":6,"unit":"percent","qualifier":"Any periprocedural complication; groin issues and transient phrenic injury most common, serious events about 1-2%."},"contraindications":["Intracardiac thrombus or inadequately anticoagulated left atrium","Active systemic infection or sepsis","Uncontrolled bleeding disorder or inability to receive peri-procedural anticoagulation","Pregnancy (relative; radiation exposure)","Unfit for anesthesia or decompensated heart failure (relative)"],"days_in_clinic":{"min":0,"max":1,"unit":"nights","qualifier":"Catheter cryoballoon ablation; same-day discharge is common, with an overnight stay in some centers."},"diagnostic_duration_minutes":null,"diagnostic_preparation":null,"diagnostic_referral_needed":null,"diagnostic_result_time_hours":null,"exercise_resume_weeks":{"min":1,"max":2,"unit":"weeks","qualifier":"Light activity soon after; avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until groin puncture sites heal."},"final_result_months":{"min":3,"max":3,"unit":"months","qualifier":"Early arrhythmia recurrences can occur during the roughly 3-month blanking period; rhythm outcome is judged after it."},"fly_home_after_days":{"min":1,"max":3,"unit":"days","qualifier":"After catheter cryoballoon ablation, once groin sites are stable and the operator confirms rhythm and no complications."},"follow_up_visits":[{"purpose":"wound_check","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":7,"max":14,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Groin puncture site check, often by phone or clinic, timing varies."}},{"purpose":"assessment","requirement":"routine","after":{"min":84,"max":120,"unit":"days","qualifier":"Rhythm review with ECG/monitoring after the blanking period; timing varies by center."}}],"indications":["Symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation unresponsive to or intolerant of antiarrhythmics","Selected persistent atrial fibrillation"],"main_risks":["Groin vascular complications (hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, AV fistula)","Phrenic nerve injury (usually transient)","Pericardial effusion/tamponade","Stroke/TIA or thromboembolism","Pulmonary vein stenosis (rare)","Atrioesophageal fistula (very rare)","Anesthesia-related risks"],"pain":"Usually little pain under anesthesia; mild groin soreness and occasional chest discomfort or sore throat afterward for a few days.","preparation":["Pre-procedure cardiology assessment, ECG and echocardiography","Imaging (TEE or CT) to exclude left atrial thrombus","Fasting before anesthesia as instructed","Anticoagulation planning as directed by the treating team","Arrange transport home and support for the first day"],"recovery_timeline":[{"phase":"First hours","description":"Bed rest with leg straight for a few hours until venous access sites are secure, then monitoring and discharge the same or next day.","restrictions":["No driving on the day of procedure"]},{"phase":"First week","description":"Groin soreness settles; palpitations or brief arrhythmias can occur early.","restrictions":["Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exertion"]},{"phase":"Weeks 1-2","description":"Return to normal activity and exercise as puncture sites heal.","restrictions":["Gradual return to strenuous exercise"]},{"phase":"Up to 3 months","description":"Blanking period; early recurrences do not necessarily mean failure. 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