AV nodal ablation

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ayokunle Olubaniyi, M.B,B.S [2]

Synonyms and keywords: AVNA

Overview

Atrioventricular nodal or AV junction ablation is a procedure by which the electrical pathways that connect the atria to the ventricles are modified or interrupted in order to restore a normal cardiac rhythm. This procedure creates a disconnect between the upper chambers (which controls the heart rate and rhythm) and the lower chambers (ventricles). AVNA is mostly used for patients with atrial fibrillation that is refractory to medications.