The objective of this Assessment is to determine whether radiofrequency catheter ablation improves health outcomes when used as a treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. Three indications for radiofrequency catheter ablation are addressed: 1) patients with recent onset paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, as first-line treatment; 2) patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation, who have failed treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs; 3) patients with class II or III congestive heart failure and symptomatic atrial fibrillation, in whom heart rate is poorly controlled by standard medications, as an alternative to atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation and pacemaker implantation.