A Re-analysis of Our Current Understanding of Isthmus-Dependent Atrial Flutter: Some Gaps, Some Hypotheses.

Abstract

The macro-reentrant circuit of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter (AFL) is located in the right atrium around the tricuspid annulus. High acute success and low recurrence rate makes isthmus ablation a definitive therapy for patients with only AFL. However, a review of the literature suggests that, different aspects of this macro-reentrant circuit are still not entirely understood, while new information continues to emerge. The aim of this article is to discuss some gaps in our “complete” understanding of isthmus-dependent AFL. Few hypotheses have been stated which are open to investigation.

Keywords

• Atrial arrhythmia
• macro-reentry
• ablation