Recommendations / 09/07/2020

How safe is ablation for atrial flutter?

Ablation is a relatively safe procedure and is performed routinely. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of a complication. 2 How is it done/Are there any risks? Less than 5% of patients will have episodes of atrial flutter after an ablation procedure.

Can atrial flutter come back after ablation?

Most people see improvements in their quality of life after this type of cardiac ablation, but there’s a chance your atrial flutter may return. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated or you and your doctor might consider other treatments.

Do you stay on blood thinners after ablation?

Catheter ablation, which destroys a small area of heart tissue that’s causing the problematic beats, is recommended for high-risk patients. Patients typically continue to take blood thinners, regardless of whether the ablation procedure was effective.

When to have an ablation for atrial flutter?

Ablation is usually offered to people with atrial flutter who do not respond to medications or who continue to have troublesome symptoms even with medication. Some patients will undergo an atrial flutter ablation instead of taking medications because atrial flutter is curable and the procedure is relatively low risk.

Can a person with atrial flutter be cured?

In general, more than 90% of patients with atrial flutter will be cured of their arrhythmia after an ablation procedure. How is it done? A heart doctor (cardiologist) who specialized in the heart’s electrical system and timing (a cardiac electrophysiologist) does the procedure in a special room in the hospital called the Electrophysiology Lab.

What are the risks of an ablation procedure?

Ablation is a relatively safe procedure and is performed routinely. However, as with any medical procedure, there is a small chance of a complication. Although rare, unexpected complications can include: Significant bleeding or damage to the blood vessel in the leg where the catheter enters the skin (1%)

Do you need to take warfarin for atrial flutter?

Individuals can experience atrial flutter continuously or in occasional attacks that may last for days. Atrial flutter increases the risk of having a stroke so some individuals may need to take oral anticoagulants, such as warfarin, to reduce this risk. The Heart Atrial Flutter PI16/1485/02 Catheter Ablation for Atrial Flutter | 3

Is there an easy way to ablation atrial flutter?

Atrial flutter ablation. EMAIL. PRINT. SAVE. EMAIL. SAVE. Atrial flutter most commonly occurs in a reentrant circuit around the tricuspid valve — typical atrial flutter or type I. Ablation for this rhythm is easy since it requires only venous access to get to the right heart.

Is there a cure for atrial flutter at UCSF?

The UCSF study also found improvement in the patients’ ability to work, exercise and take on physical activities. Internal cardioversion for conversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter to a normal sinus rhythm was developed here at UCSF Medical Center in 1991.

Do you need a holter monitor for atrial flutter?

Alternatively, your doctor may have arranged for you to take a heart rhythm monitor (Holter monitor or loop recorder) home to record your palpitations. Occasionally atrial flutter is also detected during a routine medical check at your GP surgery. Catheter ablation for atrial flutter What is catheter ablation for atrial flutter?