Abnormal heart rates or rhythms, caused by abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system, can now be treated with new catheter-based non-surgical procedures. Electrophysiology studies use special catheters guided into the heart to create a 3-dimensional map of the heart’s electrical impulse conduction system. This is important not just for a more precise evaluation of the source of abnormal heart rates and rhythms, but also assists in positioning heart catheters for other treatments.

One of these techniques, called radiofrequency ablation, is relatively new and offers treatment alternatives that weren’t available before. Others, such as pacemaker implantation, have been simplified by catheter-based interventional techniques. These procedures are performed in the electrophysiology laboratory and usually can be completed on an outpatient basis.