Atrial Flutter Ablation

Atrial flutter (AFlutter) is a regular or irregular heart rhythm that occurs due to somewhat erratic electrical behaviour originating from the right atrium or right sided entry chamber of the heart.

This may result in symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, breathlessness, chest pain or heart failure.

Atrial flutter increases the risk of stroke due to clots forming in the heart during this rhythm. Atrial Flutter often does not respond to medications and can be difficult to hold in check.

Atrial flutter ablation is a very effective solution for the return of your normal heart rhythm.

Preparation

Prior to the procedure you will be fasted, your groin and chest may be shaved. Upon arrival from the ward to the EP laboratory you will meet the anesthetist who will insert an intravenous cannula for delivery of the anesthetic.

How is it done?

AF ablation procedures are performed in an EP laboratory ( similar to an angiogram suite) in a hospital whilst you are asleep under general anethesthetic.

EP laboratory contains specialised Electrophysiology Laboratory equipment used to map the electrical activity of your heart. Once you are placed under general anesthetic blood thinning medication will be administered. During the procedure the heart may be monitored with a special ultrasound probe that is inserted into the oesophagus called a transesophageal echocardiogram. This is used to makes sure there are no clots in the heart. It will be removed before you wake up. Electrical catheters will be inserted into the heart via the groin area.

The electrical catheters are guided into place using X-Rays, ultrasound and computerized mapping systems.

These electrical catheters enter the right atrium and are used to make a superficial burn across the Right atrium or “flutter line”.

Duration

The entire atrial flutter ablation procedure may take 1-1.5 hours on average.

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