Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation: Atrial flutter

Atrial flutter is a type of tachycardia that starts in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart. It happens when the heart’s electrical circuit causes it to beat before it should (called a premature electrical beat). This abnormal heart beat spreads out through both atria and causes the heart to beat too fast.

Your cardiologist will target the circuit for ablation once the catheters are inside your heart. If you are in atrial flutter at the time of the ablation, it’s common for the flutter to stop. When this happens, it tells the cardiologist that they have ablated the right area of the heart.

Cardiac ablation works to treat atrial flutter in most cases (about 95%). If cardiac ablation doesn’t work the first time, your doctor may want you to have a second ablation procedure.

Current as of: September 20, 2019

Author: Cardiovascular Health and Stroke Strategic Clinical Network, AHS

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation: Atrial flutter