Atrial Flutter Ablation

Atrial flutter ablation is a medical procedure used to treat atrial flutter, a type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart (atria) beat too quickly.

What is Atrial Flutter?

Atrial flutter is a condition where the atria beat at a rate of 250-350 beats per minute, while the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) beat at a slower rate. This can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

How is Atrial Flutter Ablation Performed?

The procedure involves the use of catheters, which are thin, flexible tubes that are inserted through a vein in the leg or arm and guided to the heart. The catheters are equipped with electrodes that can map the electrical activity of the heart and identify the source of the abnormal rhythm.

Steps Involved in Atrial Flutter Ablation:

1. The patient is given local anesthesia and sedation to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
2. A catheter is inserted through a vein in the leg or arm and guided to the heart using fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray imaging).
3. The catheter is used to map the electrical activity of the heart and identify the source of the atrial flutter.
4. Once the source of the abnormal rhythm is identified, the catheter is used to deliver radiofrequency energy or cryoablation (extreme cold) to destroy the abnormal electrical pathway.
5. The procedure can take several hours to complete, and the patient may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation.

Risks and Complications of Atrial Flutter Ablation:

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with atrial flutter ablation. These can include:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter site
• Infection
• Damage to the heart or surrounding tissues
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Pulmonary vein stenosis (narrowing of the pulmonary veins)

Success Rate and Follow-up:

The success rate for atrial flutter ablation is generally high, with approximately 80-90% of patients experiencing a significant reduction in symptoms. However, some patients may require additional procedures or medications to manage their condition.

After the procedure, patients typically need to follow up with their doctor to monitor their heart rhythm and adjust any medications as needed.

Who is a Candidate for Atrial Flutter Ablation?

Atrial flutter ablation is typically recommended for patients who:

• Have symptomatic atrial flutter that does not respond to medication
• Have a history of stroke or TIA and are at high risk for recurrence
• Have other underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure

Alternative Treatments:

Alternative treatments for atrial flutter include:

• Medications to control the heart rate and rhythm
• Cardioversion (a procedure that uses electrical shocks to restore a normal heartbeat)
• Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy