Transoesophageal echocardiography prior to atrial flutter ablation averts a dramatic complication

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2009 May-Jun;20(3):203-4.

Abstract

Catheter ablation is now the primary strategy for typical atrial flutter, given success rates in the order of 95 to 98%, with a low risk of recurrence. It also has a low complication rate but is not entirely risk free, and should still be approached judiciously as is illustrated by the index case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Flutter / complications
  • Atrial Flutter / diagnostic imaging*
  • Atrial Flutter / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation / adverse effects*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Preoperative Care
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology
  • Thrombosis / complications
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin