What Is Heart Ablation?

Heart ablation targets and removes tissue that causes an irregular heart rhythm. In this outpatient procedure, specialists insert a catheter (thin tube) into the leg.

The catheter passes through a vein leading to the heart to locate the cause of the irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Specialists then perform one of three types of ablations, including the following:

• Cryoablation, which involves freezing and scarring the unwanted tissue
• Radiofrequency ablation, which involves burning and scarring the unwanted tissue
• Pulsed field ablation, which involves short bursts of electric energy to target the unwanted tissue

This treatment is intended for patients who have received one of the following diagnosis’. Speak with your care team to determine if this treatment is right for you. You may be a candidate for heart ablation if you have a condition such as

• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Atrial flutter
• Ventricular tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
• Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (abnormal heartbeat)