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. .