Print Atrial flutter ablationAtrial flutter ablation is a procedure to create scar tissue within an upper chamber of the heart in order to block the electrical signals that cause a fluttering heartbeat. Atrial flutter occurs when the heart's electrical signals tell the upper chambers of the heart (atria) to beat too quickly. The goal of atrial flutter ablation is to stop the irregular electrical signals and restore a typical heart rhythm. Why it's doneAtrial flutter ablation is done to control the signs and symptoms associated with atrial flutter. Atrial flutter ablation may restore a typical heart rhythm, which may improve quality of life. What you can expectAtrial flutter ablation is done in the hospital. You'll likely receive a medication to help you relax (sedative). Once the sedative takes effect, a small area near a vein, usually in your groin, is numbed. The doctor inserts a long flexible tube (catheter) into the vein and carefully guides it into your heart. Sensors on the tip of the catheter send electrical impulses and record the heart's electricity. This information is used to determine the best place to apply the ablation treatment. Heat (radiofrequency energy) is applied to the target area, damaging the tissue and causing scarring. The scarring helps block the electrical signals that are causing the atrial flutter. Atrial flutter ablation typically takes two to three hours. Afterward, you'll be taken to a recovery area where care providers will closely monitor your condition. Depending on your condition, you may be allowed to go home the same day or you may spend a night in the hospital. ResultsAfter atrial flutter ablation, you'll need regular checkups to monitor your heart. Most people see improvements in their quality of life after this type of cardiac ablation, but there's a chance the atrial flutter may return. If this happens, the procedure may be repeated or you and your health care provider might consider other treatments. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Feb. 22, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Prutkin JM. Atrial flutter: Maintenance of sinus rhythm. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 2, 2021. Zipes DP, et al., eds. Typical and atypical atrial flutter: Mapping and ablation. In: Cardiac Electrophysiology: From Cell to Bedside. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 1, 2021. Catheter ablation. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/catheter-ablation. Accessed Jan. 21, 2021. Noseworthy PA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 2, 2021. Related Atrial fibrillation Atrial flutter Cardiac ablation Cardiac ablation: treatment for ventricular tachycardia Catheter insertion points for cardiac ablation Ebstein anomaly Heart arrhythmia Heart disease Infographic: Cardiac Ablation Pulmonary atresia Sick sinus syndrome Sudden cardiac arrest Tachycardia Tricuspid valve regurgitation Ventricular tachycardia Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome Show more related content News from Mayo Clinic A heart full of gratitude Oct. 27, 2022, 11:00 a.m. CDT First-in-human trial shows promise for hard-to-treat ventricular tachycardia heart rhythms Aug. 17, 2022, 07:35 p.m. CDT Heart rhythm disorders: Mayo Clinic Healthcare expert shares 5 things it's important to know Sept. 21, 2021, 02:00 p.m. CDT Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as one of the top Cardiology & Heart Surgery hospitals in the nation for 2022-2023 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Cardiac ablationAboutDoctors & DepartmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book Atrial flutter ablationRequest an Appointment PRC-20235778 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Cardiac ablation