1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1




               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the 1991 Stock Plan and the 1998 Nonstatutory Stock
Option Plan of our report dated July 28, 1998, (except for the first and second
paragraphs of Note 1, as to which the date is June 7, 1999) with respect to the
financial statements and schedule of Cardiac Pathways corporation included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1998, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                       /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                       -----------------------------

San Jose, California
August 6, 1999