[Atrial flutter in cardiology practice]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Cardiac Arrhythmias

Background:

• Atrial flutter (AFL) is a prevalent supraventricular arrhythmia, second only to atrial fibrillation (AF).
• AFL commonly involves the cavo-tricuspid isthmus but can originate from the left atrium.
• Pharmacological treatment for AFL is often ineffective, necessitating alternative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated overview of atrial flutter (AFL).
• To highlight current understanding and management of AFL based on available literature.

Main Methods:

• Review of current medical literature on atrial flutter.
• Focus on non-pharmacological treatment options, particularly catheter ablation.
• Description of radiofrequency catheter ablation technique for AFL circuit interruption.

Main Results:

• Catheter ablation is the recommended "gold standard" treatment for typical atrial flutter.
• Radiofrequency catheter ablation achieves high success rates (>90%) with a low complication incidence.
• Ablation creates scar tissue in the cavo-tricuspid isthmus to eliminate the reentrant circuit, preventing AFL recurrence.

Conclusions:

• Catheter ablation is a highly effective first-line treatment for typical atrial flutter.
• The procedure interrupts the reentrant circuit, offering a definitive solution for many patients.
• Atrial fibrillation may occur subsequent to atrial flutter ablation.