[Atrial flutter ablation: initial experience in a general hospital]

Right atrial flutter has a relatively high incidence. It is often symptomatic and can have a poor outcome particularly in case of thrombo-embolic events.

We evaluate the results of radiofrequency catheter ablation for right atrial flutter since the introduction of this technique inour hospital.

The 28 first patients referred in our institution for atrial flutter and relevant for cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation were enrolled. Ablation used a 8 mm tip electrode catheter and one or two conventional diagnostic catheters. The goal of ablation was complete bidirectional isthmus block.

The first-line success rate was 96 percent with 4 percent early flutter recurrence. The mean duration of radiofrequency current applications was 652 +/- 409 seconds. No complication was observed.

This results are comparable with the published data and encourage the development of basic ablation procedures and maintenance of rhythmic competence in general hospital inside medical network.