What is atrial fibrillation ablation?

Atrial fibrillation ablation is a surgical procedure that treats atrial fibrillation, according to WebMD. This procedure helps to ease the symptoms and improve a patient's quality of life. A doctor recommends an ablation after antiarrhythmic medications fail to treat the symptoms.

During the procedure, the doctor destroys the areas in the heart that are producing irregular electrical impulses, states WebMD. A patient receives medication for relaxation while the doctor carries out the procedure. The doctor inserts thin wires called catheters into the veins and directs them to the heart. An electrode sends radio waves to produce heat that destroys the tissues causing atrial fibrillation.