A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a small puncture. An electrode at the end of the catheter creates heat. The heat cauterizes and destroys the tissue in the heart causing the abnormal heart rhythm. Special 3-D computer technology is used to help ensure the success of this procedure.
Making time for herself — Diane Chernaskey of Hellertown, Pa., attributed her racing heartbeat to the stress of raising her active family. However, it was caused by a birth defect and cured with radiofrequency ablation.