Radiofrequency Ablation: (Also known as Catheter Ablation)

Procedure:

A catheter with an electrode at its tip is guided through the veins to the heart muscle with real-time, moving X-rays (fluoroscopy) displayed on a video screen. The catheter is placed at the exact site inside the heart where cells give off the electrical signals that stimulate the abnormal heart rhythm. Then a mild, painless radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the pathway. This destroys carefully selected heart muscle cells in a very small area (about 1/5 of an inch).

Major Indications:

Preferred treatment for many types of rapid heartbeats (Arrhythmias) especially Supraventricular Tachyarrhythmias.