Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter

Abstract

Nonpharmacologic treatments of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter potentially offer therapy, sparing patients the long‐term risks of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. For patients with typical atrial flutter, contemporary catheter ablation techniques afford cure rates in excess of 85%. For patients with atrial fibrillation, surgical Maze procedure and catheter‐based procedures emulating aspects of the surgical Maze technique can today offer cure rates around 75%. However, additional research and technological development is necessary to further define and refine the best effective procedure. For the present, because each therapeutic alternative carries its own unique set of risks, side effects, and benefits, patients selection remains of critical importance.