Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation is a non-surgical technique that disrupts (destroys) parts of the abnormal electrical pathway that is causing your arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). During catheter ablation, doctors insert a special electrode catheter (long, flexible wire) into the heart. They position the catheter so that it lies close to the abnormal electrical pathway, then pass heat energy through it. The tip of the catheter heats up and destroys the small area of heart tissue that contains the abnormal pathway.