What is RF ablation?

What is RF ablation?

RF ablation is radiofrequency catheter ablation. It is an important method to treat heart rhythm disorders. Classical example is the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Small electrodes are placed in various regions of the heart to record the electrical activity within the heart. This helps the cardiac electrophysiologist to localize the origin of the heart rhythm disorder. Once the location is identified by this technique known as cardiac mapping, tiny superficial burns are produced in the region by radiofrequency current so that the abnormal focus or pathway for intracardiac currents is eliminated. This produces permanent cure in most cases of supra ventricular tachycardia. As in any modality of treatment there is some risk and some failure rate associated with this procedure, though quite small and with good benefit / risk ratio.