This is an invasive procedure used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).

It is performed in the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) by a Cardiologist and cardiac team specialising in Electrophysiology (heart rhythm disorders). It takes 2 to 4 hours and the patient will be able to go home the following day. An IV (intravenous line) is inserted into the arm or hand and the patient is either under sedation or general anaesthetic.

The Procedure 

Several catheters are inserted into the patient’s groin, neck or arm and guided with the aid of x-ray equipment to the heart. The doctor is able to view the structure inside the heart using other equipment if necessary. Energy is then transmitted through one of the catheters to specific areas within the heart and the heart rhythm corrected.