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An ablation catheter is a thin flexible medical device used to deliver energy to targeted tissue inside the body. It is commonly used in cardiac electrophysiology to treat abnormal heart rhythms. The catheter can deliver radiofrequency heat, freezing energy, or other ablation energy depending on the system. Its goal is to destroy or scar small areas of tissue that are causing or supporting the problem.
read more about ablation catheter ...An ablation catheter is often used to treat heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia, or other arrhythmias. Ablation catheters may also be used in other specialties to treat selected abnormal tissue. In cardiac procedures, the catheter is guided through blood vessels into the heart. The care team maps the abnormal electrical pathway before delivering treatment.
The catheter tip is positioned against the target tissue. Energy is delivered through the tip to create a controlled lesion. In cardiac ablation, the lesion can interrupt abnormal electrical signals that trigger or maintain an arrhythmia. Some catheters also record electrical activity, sense contact force, irrigate the tip, or connect with mapping systems.
A specialist inserts the catheter through a blood vessel, often in the groin, and guides it to the treatment area. Imaging, electrical mapping, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or 3D mapping may be used during the procedure. Once the target is confirmed, ablation energy is applied in controlled bursts. The patient is monitored before, during, and after the procedure for rhythm, bleeding, and complications.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, blood vessel injury, blood clots, heart perforation, stroke, arrhythmia recurrence, damage to nearby structures, or need for repeat treatment. Some patients may still need medications or blood thinners after ablation. Follow-up may include ECGs, symptom review, heart monitoring, or medication changes. Chest pain, fainting, stroke symptoms, heavy bleeding, or worsening shortness of breath needs urgent care.
No. It is commonly used for heart rhythm procedures, but catheter-based ablation can also be used in other areas depending on the device and treatment goal.
No. Cardiac catheter ablation is usually a minimally invasive procedure performed through blood vessels.
It can reduce or stop some arrhythmias, but success depends on the rhythm type and patient factors. Some people need repeat procedures or ongoing medication.
Many use radiofrequency heat or cryoablation freezing energy. Other specialized systems may use different energy forms.
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Cardiac ablation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cardiac-ablation/about/pac-20384993. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Atrial fibrillation ablation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/atrial-fibrillation-ablation/about/pac-20384969. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Ablation for Arrhythmias. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia/ablation-for-arrhythmias. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.
Cardiac ablation percutaneous catheter: Product Classification. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?id=LPB. Date Accessed June 18, 2026.