[Isthmus-dependent right atrial flutter : Clinical course after isthmus ablation]

Ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) to create bidirectional isthmus blockade is the most effective way to achieve rhythm control in typical atrial flutter. Compared with drug therapy, ablation reduces cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, stroke risk, and the risk of cardiac decompensation. Concomitant arrhythmia of atrial flutter is atrial fibrillation (AF); therefore the duration of oral anticoagulation should be adapted according to the risk of stroke and bleeding. A combined procedure of CTI ablation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with typical atrial flutter but without evidence of AF should be evaluated individually especially in patients aged > 54 years depending on (cardiac) comorbidities. The comprehensive diagnostic view should keep in mind not only arrhythmias but also possibly underlying coronary artery disease.