There are circumstances during ablation where an essential part of the heart's electrical system must be intentionally scarred. When this happens, a permanent pacemaker may need to be inserted. Sometimes, to help your heart with the healing process, a temporary pacemaker is put in for a short period of time.

A pacemaker is a tiny, lightweight, electrical device that is placed inside your body. It keeps track of your heartbeat and when necessary it gives a small low-voltage electrical pulse to your heart, which forces it to beat. The purpose of a pacemaker is to keep your heart beating at a normal rate.