Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of early ambulation on the comfort and complications in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation via femoral vein approach. Methods From April, 2016 to April, 2017, 120 patients were randomly assigned into control group (n=40), group A (n=40) and group B (n=40). The control group received the routine care of remaining bed rest for eight hours with the affected leg immobilized at least four hours. Group A ambulated after four hours of the affected leg immobilization, and group B changed their position after ablation and ambulated after four hours of bed rest. They were assessed with the General Comfort Questionnaire, Numerical Rating Scale of back pain and State Anxiety Inventory. Their vascular complications were recorded. Results The incidence of bleeding and hematoma was not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05). Group B was more comfortable than the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, groups A and B were less in back pain intensity (F>10.376, P<0.001), and had less anxiety (t=3.278, P<0.05), less incidence of limb numbness, difficulty falling asleep, and loss of appetite and dysuria (χ²>6.409, P<0.05). Group B was the best among them.Conclusion There is little risk of early physical activity and ambulation in the vascular complications after radiofrequency catheter ablation via femoral vein approach, which may reduce their discomfort.

Key words: arrhythmia, radiofrequency catheter ablation, early ambulation, comfort, vascular complications, nursing