What is a catheter ablation?

A catheter ablation, also known as cardiac ablation, is a procedure used to treat cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. It is performed by guiding a thin tube to the heart that uses energy to create tiny scars in the heart. This is done to block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm. The procedure can take two to four hours, and the patient is given medication to relax. Whether or not the patient is conscious during the process depends on the individual case.