Atrial flutter

Typical atrial flutter is a relatively common type of arrhythmia that is caused by an electrical impulse arising in the right atrium entering a circular pattern between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

What is atrial flutter?

Typical atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia that is caused by an electrical impulse, which originates in the right atrium, and enters a circular pattern between the right atrium and the right ventricle. On an ECG, atrial flutter is recognized by the presence of what are referred to as characteristic "flutter waves".

For patients with recurrent episodes of atrial flutter, catheter ablation is the treatment of choice. This procedure removes (ablates) the cavotricuspid isthmus, a narrow bridge of fibrous tissue between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid annulus. Catheter ablation of this part effectively blocks the movement of the electrical impulse, preventing it from entering its circular pattern and thus eliminating atrial flutter. .

[Translate to Englisch:] Abbildung Vorhofflattern - Immanuel Herzzentrum Brandenburg in Bernau bei Berlin — Atrial flutter is a type of arrhythmia that is caused by an electrical impulse, which originates in the right atrium, and enters a circular pattern between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Where can I find out more about atrial flutter?

Deutsche Herzstiftung e.V. (German Heart Foundation)
Palpitations (racing heart)
www.herzstiftung.de

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (German Cardiac Society)
dgk.org