title: Radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter with the use of electro-anatomical mapping system CARTO.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL) is a well-established method of treatment. Although its efficacy is high, a search for new, more effective techniques is continuing. These new methods include modern systems for electro-anatomical mapping and new types of ablating electrodes such as cooled-tip or dual-sensor catheters.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of RF ablation of typical AFL with the use of electro-anatomical mapping system CARTO and to compare the effectiveness of various ablating catheters.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study group consisted of 60 consecutive patients who underwent RF ablation of typical AFL with the use of the CARTO system. In 35 patients standard ablating electrodes were used, in 15 -- cooled-tip catheters (Thermo-Cool), and in 10 -- Dual-Sensor catheters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overall efficacy of RF ablation was 96.6%. In two procedures which occurred ineffective, standard ablating electrodes were used. In 4 (6.6%) patients a recurrence of AFL was noted -- also these patients had RF ablation performed with the use of standard ablating electrodes. None of the patients had procedure-related complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RF ablation of typical AFL with the use of electro-anatomical system CARTO is effective, safe and associated with reduced fluoroscopy time. The use of cooled-tip or dual sensor ablating electrodes further enhances efficacy of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Silesian Medical Academy, Silesian Center for Heart Diseases, Zabrze, Poland.
authors.forename: Oskar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.forename: Zbigniew
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kalarus
authors.forename: Radosław
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lenarczyk
authors.forename: Patrycja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pruszkowska-Skrzep
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prokopczuk
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zielińska
authors.forename: Lech
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Poloński
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000601:surgery*; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome