#CATHETER ABLATION FLUTTER HOW TO#

This tool helps electrophysiologists to identify the part of the cycle which needs to be mapped further. They took advantage of a new feature of an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) system, which produces a histogram of local activation times (LAT), in addition to the activation and voltage maps.Īn LAT histogram is actually a graphical illustration of the LAT values of all the points that contribute to the LAT coloring on active maps and provides a visual representation of the activation throughout the tachycardia cycle length (TCL).

#CATHETER ABLATION FLUTTER HOW TO#

11 sought to help us better understand how to identify and localize the critical isthmus in left AFL and introduced a stepwise approach. 9,10 Fast and accurate identification and understanding of the re-entrant pathway and the critical conduction zone are crucial for the development and performance of a successful ablation strategy. 7,8 For non-isthmus-dependent right or left atrial macroreentrant tachycardia (so-called atypical AFL), the precise identification of the critical isthmuses for successful catheter ablation procedures is certainly more complex as multiple re-entrant pathways in the right and/or left atrium may be involved. 7 Catheter ablation for typical right atrial isthmus-dependent AFL has yielded a high success rate of 90-98% and a low recurrence rate of only 2-15% however, successful ablation depends on the correct identification of the reentrant circuit responsible for the arrythmia and its critical isthmus. 7 Catheter ablation is a promising treatment method to maintain sinus rhythm, especially in the case of cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent AFLs. 4–6 Due to the low success rate of pharmacological antiarrhythmic approaches in AFL, long-term drug therapy is less acceptable nowadays, and is recommended when ablation is not feasible. 3 So far, different therapeutic strategies have been introduced for AFL, including rate control, cardioversion to sinus rhythm (principally electrical cardioversion or high-rate stimulation), and catheter ablation. 2 Appropriate management of AFL is not only important due the symptoms, but also to the increased risk of complications, such as thromboembolism and stroke, which may lead to permanent disability or death. Approaches to the management and use of anticoagulation therapy are considered equivalent for AFL and AF and the same stroke prevention strategies are therefore recommended. 1 Moreover, a sizable proportion of patients who undergo AF ablation will develop AFL (atrial macroreentrant tachycardia is a more accurate term) as a secondary arrhythmia after the ablation procedure. A significant number of patients with AFL will develop atrial fibrillation (AF) afterwards. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated or you and your health care provider might consider other treatments.Atrial flutter (AFL) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias in clinical practice. Most people see improvements in their quality of life after this type of cardiac ablation, but there's a chance the atrial flutter may return. ResultsĪfter atrial flutter ablation, you'll need regular checkups to monitor your heart. Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area where care providers will closely monitor your condition.ĭepending on your condition, you may be allowed to go home the same day or you may spend a night in the hospital. The scarring helps block the electrical signals that are causing the atrial flutter.Ītrial flutter ablation typically takes two to three hours. Heat (radiofrequency energy) is applied to the target area, damaging the tissue and causing scarring.

This information is used to determine the best place to apply the ablation treatment. Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record the heart's electricity. The doctor inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into the vein and carefully guides it into your heart.

Once the sedative takes effect, a small area near a vein, usually in your groin, is numbed. You'll likely receive a medication to help you relax (sedative). What you can expectĪtrial flutter ablation is done in the hospital.

Atrial flutter ablation may restore a typical heart rhythm, which may improve quality of life. Atrial flutter ablation is done to control the signs and symptoms associated with atrial flutter.

Catheter ablation flutter