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Catheter Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter in Tactical Athletes
Matthew A Tunzi1, Loreto L Calaquian1, Kelvin N V Bush1
1Division of Cardiology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX 78234, United States.
Military Medicine
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Catheter ablation is a safe and effective treatment for typical atrial flutter in military athletes, significantly improving retention rates compared to non-ablation management. This supports ablation as a first-line therapy for this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Military Health
Background:
- Guidelines recommend catheter ablation for typical atrial flutter (AFL).
- Limited data exists on ablation utilization and outcomes in tactical athletes.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding AFL management in military personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize military personnel diagnosed with typical AFL.
- To investigate the rates of catheter ablation in this cohort.
- To determine the impact of ablation on return to normal activities and military retention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of military personnel diagnosed with typical AFL (2016-2022).
- Diagnosis confirmed by electrocardiogram and electrophysiology study (entrainment or activation mapping).
- Review of management strategies and outcomes, including ablation and retention rates.
Main Results:
- Forty military personnel (85% male, mean age 40.7) diagnosed with typical AFL.
- Catheter ablation was performed in 67.5% (27/40) with no complications.
- Ablation significantly increased military retention rates (96.3% vs. 61.2%, P=.001).
Conclusions:
- Catheter ablation is safe and effective for tactical athletes with typical AFL.
- Ablation is associated with higher military retention and return to activity rates.
- These findings support ablation as a first-line treatment for athletic populations with typical AFL.
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