AV (atrioventricular) node ablation is a medical procedure that is typically performed to treat an irregular or fast heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia) in patients with a pacemaker. The AV node is a tiny cluster of cells located in the heart that regulates the timing of electrical impulses that control the heart's rhythm. The procedure involves intentionally disrupting the electrical signal that travel between the atria (upper chambers) and ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart.

During an AV node ablation, a doctor will use a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to locate and destroy the AV node using heat or radiofrequency energy. This will disrupt the electrical signals that are causing the irregular heartbeat and create a new pathway for the electrical impulses to travel to the ventricles of the heart.

Following AV node ablation, the pacemaker will continue to ensure that the heart beats at a regular rate.