Afib now Atrial Flutter

[Summerlily]

I had an ablation for Afib in December I am now told I have Atrial Flutter and am going to be called for another ablation in the next couple of weeks

Does this often happen after an ablation ?

The strange thing is that two days ago I was told to stop taking Flec and now feel much better

Could this be the answer ?

Perhaps I don't need another ablation !!

Has anyone else experienced similar ?

[BobD Volunteer]

Flutter is usally in the right atrium not the left where the AF was. It does happen sometimes. It is possible that the flecianide caused the flutter as this is always a possibility but I learned years ago not to assume anything. Only time will tell but best not to get your hopes up too much.

[Summerlily in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob I know I am being very optimistic but would be rather nice to avoid another ablation , although I am told ablation for flutter is far simpler.

The cardiologist seemed to look on the presence of flutter as proof the ablation for Afib had worked

[Teresa156]

You may have always had a flutter and not realised it perhaps? You can get both mixed in together during an episode of AF. Could this be a possibility? If your first ablation was a cryoblation, where they ablate only the pulmonary veins for AF, they wouldn’t go anywhere else, so wouldn’t ablate your flutter.

This was the case with me. I have had AF and flutter together for a long time, but they only ablated AF on the first ablation, despite knowing I had another arrythmia. Six months after my first, I had a second ablation for the flutter. I wish they’d done both the first time round, it would have been easier.

Are they going to wait three months though before they decide, as you are still in the blanking period?

[Summerlily in reply to Teresa156]

Hi TeresaThey seem to be in a hurry to get it done

I had a PFA so I think the blanking period is 8 weeks but I expected them to wait a bit longer to see how things went

[Teresa156 in reply to Summerlily]

Hi Summerlily,

A PFA would only have targetted AF. I suppose you will have to go along with their protocol then, as they are the experts. I know my own hospital wouldn’t do anything until after a longer period than 8 weeks. It’s unlikely your flutter will subside though unless you have an ablation, I wouldn’t have thought.

I wouldn’t pin your hopes on you feeling better because you’ve come off the flec though. That may be a coincidence.

I hope they get rid of it for you. x

[Summerlily in reply to Teresa156]

Thanks TeresaHope you are free of both now

[50568789]

Had a cryoablation in June last year for AF, thought it was going really well but had couple of breakthroughs since and now diagnosed with Flutter, seems to be persistent. Last week EP put me on his list for second ablation, likely a 6 month wait. Also said this time it would be GA, not sedation. Suppose he wants more time to poke around?

[Summerlily in reply to 50568789]

That's interestingMy first ablation was under GA. , this one is going to be under sedation !

[Sanpet]

Hi, I experienced exactly the same. AF ablation then needed 2nd for AFlutter. Both worked well for me thankfully - no symptoms for 18 months and no Flecainide or Bisoprolol! Good luck!

[Sanpet in reply to Sanpet]

Just to add, Flecainide won't touch flutter I was told.

[Summerlily in reply to Sanpet]

Thank you So glad you ate free of both now

[Keepcool]

Gosh your experience similar to mine. 3rd ablation in August. Had bad AF afterwards and cardioverted. Weaned off flecainide and back in A&E again last month. No Cardioversion as in/out AF.

Now I have HR of 99-100 compared to pre ablation 60. Other symptoms I won’t bore you with. Possibly medication induced.

At the time of 3rd ablation, EP said he thought it successful but if I needed 4th he cd do it within a month.

Now it all makes sense. He had mentioned flutter in notes but another EP dismissed flutter at 3 month review, probably cos I was in NSR then.

Since read up on tachycardia after ablation. Mine certainly took a few months to manifest itself …if that is indeed what i have.

So glad I joined this forum, it’s been very informative reading other people’s journeys. Now I’m thinking I should contact original EP as long as it’s not too late. Awaiting cardiology referral next week.

It’s interesting the flecainide withdrawal has improved your symptoms. I know flecainide can interfere with pathways but may be with prolonged use. Maybe not in this short space of time.

Really interested to hear how your journey progresses..

[Pintpool]

Hello Summerlily< I had A-Fib for awhile that went into A-Flutter. I've 6 Ablations and several Cardioversions, one in my home by the Paramedics with no sedation, worst second of my life. My heart rate went over 200, that's why they did it to me. On Oct. 21 2024, I had a A V Node Ablation, which I'm still recovery from. They said in my case it may take up to 6 months to fully recover. I changed Cardiologist Jan. of last year, I've found that youger ones are more up to date with procedures. Wishing you well from Golden, Colorado.