Programmed Stimulation After the catheters are in position, physicians record the heart's electrical activity and pace the heart to study its electrical properties. In pacing, the physician introduces electrical impulses at a specific rate. After pacing, the physician delivers impulses at different intervals, in a technique called programmed stimulation. Programmed stimulation and pacing induce a patient's arrhythmia under controlled conditions.
Mapping involves moving a catheter around the heart chamber to identify areas of abnormal tissue.
More importantly, mapping can identify the specific site of the abnormal rhythm. In some cases, the physician may perform radiofrequency ablation, in which the catheter used is able to deliver radiofrequency energy to the section of the heart that is causing the irregular rhythm. The energy produces heat, which results in scar tissue which can't conduct the irregular impulse, thus treating the arrhythmia. Radiofrequency ablation is also used to treat cancer. By using this website, you accept the terms of our user agreement .