How is it done?
Electrophysiologic studies and catheter ablation procedures are typically performed using conscious sedation.

• Electrodes will be placed on patients' chest to monitor heart.
  
• The areas where the catheters are to be inserted will be shaved and scrubbed with an antiseptic solution.
  
• Catheters will be inserted into veins in neck, arm, and groin (and possibly into arteries in your groin) and threaded into heart under x-ray guidance.
  
• After positioning the catheters in different areas of your heart, the doctors will try to start your abnormal heart rhythm. This helps them find the exact area of the defective heart tissue (where the abnormal rhythm comers from)
  
• The special catheter is applied to the targeted area of the heart to destroy the defective tissue. Catheter ablation sends radio waves (focused heat) to specific areas of the heart through the catheter inserted in the groin. The radio waves create an electrical current at the tip of the catheter. As the catheter is being inserted, a second electrode is placed under the skin. When the catheter is energized, the body take the energy from the tip of the catheter, to the heart and to the electrode on the skin's surface, which completes the electrical circuit.

A large amount of heat is given off despite the fact that not a lot of electricity is created. The heat is taken in by the heart, which causes a small burn and destroys the part of the heart that is touched by the tip of the catheter. This destruction will deaden the nerve cells that cause the irregular heartbeat. This will usually cause the resetting of the irregular heartbeat to a regular one. Ablation can be done by radiofrequency energy or electrical current. The doctors will then try repeatedly to initiate the abnormal rhythm, to check the effectiveness of the procedure.

The catheter ablation will usually last two to four hours. When it is finished, the catheters will be removed and pressure will be applied to these areas to prevent bleeding. Pressure bandages will be kept on these areas for about 12 hours.