Anticoagulation after typical atrial flutter ablation

Abstract

The specifics of the anticoagulant therapy after radiofrequency ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus have not been sufficiently studied, therefore, the recommendations for prescribing the anticoagulant therapy usually do not distinguish between atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. In contrast to the case of atrial fibrillation, the effectiveness of the interventional treatment for typical atrial flutter reaches 90%. This procedure may save the patient from a long-term anticoagulant therapy in the absence of recurrence of typical atrial flutter. The decision to stop the anticoagulant therapy after successful radiofrequency ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus should take into account the potential induction of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing the interventional treatment. In addition to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale, which characterizes the patient's comorbidity, it is important to take into account the echocardiographic morphofunctional criteria to assess the risk of atrial fibrillation. Currently, this protocol is not regulated in the clinical guidelines. The analysis of the literature data and the authors' own experience allow us to conclude that the optimal time for stopping the anticoagulant therapy is a relapse-free period of 34 months after the radiofrequency ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus, since it is at this time that the effectiveness of the interventional treatment can be objectified.

Keywords

• anticoagulants
• typical atrial flutter
• atrial fibrillation
• radiofrequency ablation