[Radiofrequency ablation of type I atrial flutter. Personal experience]

The cause of Afl-I is macroentry in the right atrium. The critical site of reentry is the narrow anatomical space in the isthmic region between the posterior part of the annulus of the tricuspid valve and the vena cava inferior (isthmus TA-IVC). Radiofrequency ablation (RF) of the isthmus TA-IVC is successful on average in 90% of patients. The best criterium for evaluation of short-term and long-term effect of RF ablation is a two-way block of conduction in the TA-IVC insthmus, created by RF ablation. In case of a relapse it is possible to repeat ablation. Although a proarrhythmic effect of ablation is not assumed, the cause of the higher frequency of atrial fibrillation is not known. The authors present their own experience with the treatment of Afl-I by RF ablation of the TA-IVC isthmus in a group of 18 patients. RF ablation was successful in 83.3% patients of the group, no complications were recorded. Late relapses of Afl-1 in three patients were resolved by repeated RF ablation which was successful. The results are comparable with results in other departments. Based on their own experience the authors consider ablation treatment of Afl-1 a safe and effective therapeutic method in a selected group of patients.