radiofrequency ablation, unmodulated, high-frequency, alternating current flow that is applied to heart tissue to raise its temperature and injure cells for the purpose of destroying ectopic foci and accessory pathways. Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathways is a cure for the arrhythmias associated with Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome and is successfully used in atrial flutter and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia. It has replaced surgical ablation.
