Catheter inversion: a technique to complete isthmus ablation and cure atrial flutter

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2004 Jun;27(6 Pt 1):775-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2004.00527.x.

Abstract

Cure of typical atrial flutter (AFL) by catheter ablation to produce bidirectional block across the tricuspid annulus-inferior vena cava isthmus (IS) is highly effective, but failures may occur. We describe a technique that may allow creation of bidirectional block where a conventional strategy has failed. AFL ablation was performed using the conventional approach with a mapping/ablation (ablation) catheter introduced via the right femoral vein (RFV) to create a line of bidirectional block across the IS. If this was not achieved after five passes of the ablation catheter from the tricuspid annulus to the inferior vena cava (IVC) a catheter inversion technique was used. This allowed stable positioning of the ablation catheter at the IVC end of the isthmus. In 11 patients, a mean of 17 (range 3 to 45) radiofrequency (RF) applications was given before the catheter inversion technique was applied. Following catheter inversion a mean of 4 (1 to 14) further RF applications achieved bidirectional isthmus block in every patient. No complications occurred. Catheter inversion provides a simple, safe, and effective means of achieving bidirectional isthmus conduction block in cases where a conventional ablation strategy might have failed.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Atrial Flutter / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reoperation
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tricuspid Valve / surgery
  • Vena Cava, Inferior / surgery