Final answer:
The preferred ablation site for atrial flutter is the cavo-tricuspid isthmus, and the procedure involves creating scar tissue to disrupt the abnormal heart rhythm. It's important to consider the flutter type, heart structure, and potential complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred ablation site for atrial flutter is the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI), a narrow strip of tissue situated between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. During the ablation procedure, a catheter is inserted through the veins and guided to the heart, where radiofrequency energy is used to create a line of scar tissue on the CTI. This scar tissue disrupts the circuit responsible for atrial flutter, thereby restoring a normal heart rhythm. Key considerations for the procedure include correctly identifying the type of atrial flutter, the patient's overall heart structure, the potential risk for complications, and ensuring precise targeting to avoid damage to adjacent cardiac tissue.
Success rates and recovery times are generally good for CTI ablation, though complication risks should always be weighed. Patients may also require monitoring post-procedure to confirm that the atrial flutter has been resolved and that no additional arrhythmias are present.