Is 8-mm More Effective Than 4-mm Tip Electrode Catheter for Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter?

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Abstract
Background —The prospective, randomized study comparing 4- with 8-mm tip electrodes for radiofrequency linear ablation of typical atrial flutter is not available. Methods and Results —A total of 104 consecutive patients with typical atrial flutter were randomly assigned to undergo radiofrequency linear ablation using a 4- (Group I, n=54) or 8-mm tip electrode (Group II, n=50) catheter (temperature-control model, preset 70°C). If complete bidirectional isthmus block could not be achieved after 5 pulses, the ablation catheter was changed to the other type; the maximal radiofrequency pulse number was limited to P P P P Conclusions —The 8-mm tip electrodes are more effective than the standard 4-mm length electrodes in linear ablation for typical atrial flutter. This clinical benefit may be of particular value for some patients with broad and/or thick isthmus.