The Lead Episode 74: A Discussion of Incidence and Patterns of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter—The FLUTFIB Study

Discussion Topic: Incidence and Patterns of Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter—the FLUTFIB Study

Niraj Sharma, MD, FHRS, Northside Hospital is joined by Rhea Pimentel, BChir, MD, FHRS, University of Kansas Health System and Usman Siddiqui, MD, Florida Cardiology Advent Health Systems, Orlando, to discuss how the FLUTFIB study aimed to assess the incidence, duration, timing, and symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in patients with atrial flutter (AFL). The study included 100 patients with AFL, who received implantable loop recorders for continuous AF monitoring following CTI ablation.

Over a median follow-up of 24 months, 77% of patients experienced AF episodes, typically occurring around 180 days post-ablation. Most AF episodes lasted over an hour, and about half of the patients reported symptoms. Baseline characteristics and risk scores (HATCH and CHA2DS2-VASc) did not predict AF development. Oral anticoagulation was discontinued in 32% of patients during follow-up but was restarted in 15% after AF detection. No strokes or transient ischemic attacks were recorded. This study, the largest of its kind, underscores the high incidence of often asymptomatic AF after AFL ablation and provides insights for anticoagulation management post-ablation.

Host: Niraj Sharma, MD, FHRS
Guests: Rhea Pimentel, BChir, MD, FHRS and Usman Siddiqui, MD

Speaker and Article Information: Download

• Listen on HRS365
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify
• Listen on iHeart