The demonstration of a peritricuspid circular movement with a zone of slow
conduction in the cavotricuspid isthmus, together with the high efficacy of
linear ablation and widely accepted acute endpoints, has established typical
flutter as a disease with a well-defined physiopathology and treatment. However,
certain aspects regarding its deeper physiopathology, ablation targets, and
methods for verifying the results remain to be clarified. While current research
efforts have primarily been focused on the advancement of effective ablation
techniques, it is crucial to continue exploring the intricate
electrophysiological, ultrastructural, and pharmacological pathways that underlie
the development of atrial flutter. This ongoing investigation is essential for
the development of targeted preventive strategies that can act upon the specific
mechanisms responsible for the initiation and maintenance of this arrhythmia. In
this work, we will discuss less ascertained aspects alongside the most widely
recognized general data, as well as the most recent or less commonly used
contributions regarding the electrophysiological evaluation and ablation of
typical atrial flutter. Regarding electrophysiological characteristics, one of
the most intriguing findings is the presence of low voltage zones in some of
these patients together with the presence of a functional, unidirectional line of
block between the two vena cava. It is theorized that episodes of paroxysmal
atrial fibrillation can trigger this line of block, which may then allow the
onset of stable atrial flutter. Without this, the patient will either remain in
atrial fibrillation or return to sinus rhythm. Another of the most important
pending tasks is identifying patients at risk of developing post-ablation atrial
fibrillation. Discriminating between individuals who will experience a complete
arrhythmia cure and those who will develop atrial fibrillation after flutter
ablation, remains essential given the important prognostic and therapeutic
implications. From the initial X-ray guided linear cavotricuspid ablation,
several alternatives have arisen in the last decade: electrophysiological
criteria-directed point applications based on entrainment mapping, applications
directed by maximum voltage criteria or by wavefront speed and maximum voltage
criteria (omnipolar mapping). Electro-anatomical navigation systems offer
substantial support in all three strategies. Finally, the electrophysiological
techniques to confirm the success of the procedure are reviewed.