Fluctuations in your heartbeat can be normal—say, when you’re exercising or sleeping. But certain heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), cause irregular heartbeats (otherwise known as arrhythmias) that aren’t normal. And if left untreated, arrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest, heart failure or stroke.
Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses energy to destroy a small area of heart tissue that is causing those arrhythmias. The goal is to block irregular electrical signals and restore the heart’s regular rhythm.
“Medications may sometimes be effective but are associated with long-term side effects and risks,” explains Brett Gidney, M.D., an electrophysiologist at UCLA Health. “Most patients would choose an ablation procedure if they have access to a cardiac electrophysiologist.” In fact, a study published in a 2023 issue of Heart Rhythm O2 found that patients who underwent cardiac ablation had a 57% lower risk of developing heart failure than those receiving anti-arrhythmic drugs.
How the procedure works
With cardiac ablation, sometimes called catheter ablation, a small flexible tube (a.k.a. catheter) is inserted into a vein in the groin and guided through the veins and/or arteries up into the heart. There, the location of the abnormal tissue that’s responsible for the arrhythmia is identified.
Johnson & Johnson’s CARTO™ 3 System allows electrophysiologists to identify the abnormal tissue by generating a 3D electroanatomic map of the heart chambers and navigate around them in real time. With more than 30 years of leadership and innovation in cardiac mapping, Johnson & Johnson has helped shape the evolution of electrophysiology and advance modern ablation techniques.
“Integrated mapping has been a cornerstone of cardiac ablation for over 30 years because it can help to tailor the procedure to each patient,” says Greg Michaud, M.D., Chief Medical & Scientific Officer, Electrophysiology, Johnson & Johnson MedTech. “By helping physicians see the heart in precise detail and navigate it, Johnson & Johnson has advanced the entire field of cardiac ablation and enabled more tailored, effective treatment for people living with AFib.”
Dr. Gidney explains that cardiac ablation procedures typically take 30 minutes to two hours, and most patients are able to go home the same day. “The healing and recovery process is very easy, and most people are back to their normal activities within 48 hours.”
The healing and recovery process is very easy, and most people are back to their normal activities within 48 hours.
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is the newest advancement in treating atrial fibrillation. It uses quick, controlled electrical pulses to target the heart tissue that triggers irregular rhythms. Johnson & Johnson launched the Varipulse™ Platform in 2025.
With long-standing leadership and deep expertise in the science of ablation techniques, Johnson & Johnson’s innovation in PFA is trusted by electrophysiologists to deliver safe*, precise and consistent outcomes. Thanks to ongoing innovation and the expertise of electrophysiologists, patients can look forward to shorter recovery times and a clearer path back to living without the burden of irregular heartbeats.
*Important Safety Information: Prior to use, refer to the instructions for use for indications, contraindications, side effects, warnings and precautions.
Caution: U.S. law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
This story, originally published on February 16, 2024, has been updated.
