Long-term outcome of patients after successful radiofrequency ablation for typical atrial flutter

The aim of the study was to determine the long-term freedom from atrial arrhythmias after radiofrequency ablation of atrial flutter and to determine the factors associated with recurrent arrhythmias. Radiofrequency ablation has emerged as the preferred treatment for recurrent, typical atrial flutter. Although the short-term results after radiofrequency ablation of atrial flutter have been widely reported, there is insufficient data on long-term outcome with respect to the occurrence of atrial arrhythmias in patients after successful ablation. The first 108 patients to undergo successful ablation for typical atrial flutter at the authors' institutions were followed prospectively until the occurrence of typical atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, atypical atrial flutter, or death. Several prespecified clinical and procedural factors were tested using univariate and multivariate analysis as predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 8 years, or until the first arrhythmia recurrence (average duration 17 +/- 17 months). Recurrences of typical atrial flutter were usually observed within the first 6 months (73%, n = 16), with the remainder (27%, n = 6) occurring between 6 months and 2 years, and none were observed later. Freedom from recurrence of typical atrial flutter was 80% at 1 year (95% CIs 72-89%), 73% at 2 years (CIs 63-83%), and 73% at 5 years (CIs 63-83%). By contrast, freedom from occurrence of atrial fibrillation or atypical atrial flutter progressively declined over time; 80% at 1 year (CIs 71-88%), 59% at 2 years (CIs 48-70%), and 33% at 5 years (CIs 19-48%). A history of atrial fibrillation or atypical atrial flutter prior to ablation was associated with an increased risk of occurrence during follow-up (relative risk 3.4, CIs 1.5-8.1, P < 0.05). Freedom from occurrence of any atrial arrhythmia was only 27% at 5 years (CIs 15-40%). After successful ablation of typical atrial flutter, recurrence of typical flutter is relatively uncommon and usually occurs early. However, there is a progressive occurrence of atrial fibrillation and/or atypical flutter during follow-up so that many patients require further antiarrhythmic or additional ablative therapy. Radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter should be considered a palliative procedure for most patients and only one component of the long-term care of the patient with atrial tachyarrhythmias.