ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of dezocine used for atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation. MethodsForty-five patients who would undergo radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation were randomly chosen to be our study subjects between April and July 2013. According to the randomized and double-blind principle, they were divided into group D (dezocine group) and group M (morphine group). During routine visits prior to surgery, we recorded the patients' vital signs, pain score and degree of comfort. Before the ablation procedure, 5 mg dezocine or 5 mg morphine was administered intravenously for patients in both the two groups. During the procedure, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, electrocardiogram, pain scores, and comfort score of the patients were monitored. Furthermore, 2-3 mg dezocine or morphine were administered intravenously if additional analgesia was needed. The time of the procedure was recorded. The patients were followed up and evaluated 2, 6 h and 24 hours after the procedure. ResultsThe procedure time, pain rating index, and visual analogue scores were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Adverse reaction during or after the procedure was not significantly different (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe analgesic effect of dezocine is better than morphine for atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation. The incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting is still high. Dezocine for analgesia in atrial fibrillation ablation can be used as an ideal alternative instead of general anesthesia.