THERAPEUTIC PROCEDURES << BACK Cryoablation with electrocardiographic mapping capabilities Electrocardiographic mapping is a useful tool for identifying the heart tissues that cause certain arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeat. By recording cardiac activity during electrophysiological testing and analyzing the patterns, the heart can be mapped electronically and measured using computer images to pinpoint the exact location of the cells causing arrhythmias. Once cells are located, physicians can use cryoablation to freeze and destroy the cells causing the problem. Cryoablation is especially useful for arrhythmias that originate near the atrioventricular node of the heart, because it adds a lower risk of permanent heart block. Using a special catheter, the physician carefully places the freezing catheter tip at the location of the cells causing the arrhythmia. The physician can "test freeze" the area to see if it's effective in causing a reversible lesion at the site. If the lesion is ineffective or if it causes heart block, the physician can reverse the effect and move to a better site. Cryoablation also creates less scarring in the blood vessels, so it may be safer for treating atrial fibrillation as well and may reduce the risk of complications.