Computation of Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Panel Flutter

A recently developed three-dimensional viscous aeroelastic solver is applied to the solution of nonlinear panel flutter. The solution scheme implicitly couples a well validated Navier-Stokes code with a finite-difference procedure for the Von Karman plate equations by employing a subiteration strategy. Both low supersonic, M∞ = 1.2, and subsonic, M∞ = 0.95, cases are computed. For the supersonic case, the presence of either a laminar or turbulent boundary layer delays the onset of flutter, with higher flutter dynamic pressures resulting for thicker boundary layers. This effect is much less pronounced when the boundary layers are turbulent. In the subsonic case multiple solutions are obtained. The downwardly divergent solution displays a very complex interaction between the laminar boundary layer and the flexible panel that results in significant acoustic radiation from the vibrating panel.     

Continuum Aeroelastic Model for Inviscid Subsonic Bending-Torsion Wing Flutter

A full continuum aeroelastic model for bending-torsion dynamics of a slender high-aspect-ratio wing in inviscid subsonic airflow is developed avoiding finite element or Padé approximations. The structure model is the classical cantilever model of Goland. The aerodynamics is simplified to the two-dimensional typical section theory. Stability is discussed in the Laplace domain leading to the calculation of the aeroelastic modes, the stability curve, and a precise definition of flutter speed, as well as an explicit formula for divergence speed. The flutter speed is shown to be monotonic decreasing as M increases for small k (normalized complex frequency); if a mode flutters at M = 0 then it flutters for every M>0 excepting M = 1. A time-domain state space model is developed requiring the language of abstract functional analysis in the form of a “convolution-evolution” equation in a Hilbert space. The time domain model for M = 0 differs radically from 0相似文献   

Coronary sinus pacing initiates counterclockwise atrial flutter while pacing from the low lateral right atrium initiates clockwise atrial flutter. Analysis of episodes of direct initiation of atrial flutter

INTRODUCTION: Rapid atrial pacing in sinus rhythm may directly induce atrial flutter without provoking intervening atrial fibrillation, or initiate atrial flutter indirectly, by a conversion from an episode of transient atrial fibrillation provoked by rapid atrial pacing. The present study was performed to examine whether or not the direct induction of clockwise or counterclockwise atrial flutter was pacing-site (right or left atrium) dependent. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the mode of direct induction of atrial flutter by rapid atrial pacing. In 46 patients with a history of atrial flutter, rapid atrial pacing with 3 to 20 stimuli (cycle length = 500 - 170 ms) was performed in sinus rhythm to induce atrial flutter from 3 atrial sites, including the high right atrium, the low lateral right atrium, and the proximal coronary sinus, while recording multiple intracardiac electrograms of the atria. Direct induction of atrial flutter by rapid atrial pacing was a rare phenomenon and was documented only 22 times in 15 patients: 3, 11, and 8 times during stimulation, respectively, from the high right atrium, low lateral right atrium, and the proximal coronary sinus. Counterclockwise atrial flutter (12 times) was more frequently induced with stimulation from the proximal coronary sinus than from the low lateral right atrium (8 vs 1, P = .0001); clockwise atrial flutter (10 times) was induced exclusively from the low lateral right atrium (P = .0001 for low lateral right atrium vs proximal coronary sinus, P = .011 for low lateral right atrium vs high right atrium). CONCLUSIONS: Direct induction of either counterclockwise or clockwise atrial flutter was definitively pacing-site dependent; low lateral right atrial pacing induced clockwise, while proximal coronary sinus pacing induced counterclockwise atrial flutter. Anatomic correlation between the flutter circuit and the atrial pacing site may play an important role in the inducibility of counterclockwise or clockwise atrial flutter.     

Aerodynamic Coupling Effects on Flutter and Buffeting of Bridges

The effects of aerodynamic coupling among modes of vibration on the flutter and buffeting response of long-span bridges are investigated. By introducing the unsteady, self-excited aerodynamic forces in terms of rational function approximations, the equations of motion in generalized modal coordinates are transformed into a frequency-independent state-space format. The frequencies, damping ratios, and complex mode shapes at a prescribed wind velocity, and the critical flutter conditions, are identified by solving a complex eigenvalue problem. A significant feature of this approach is that an iterative solution for determining the flutter conditions is not necessary, because the equations of motion are independent of frequency. The energy increase in each flutter motion cycle is examined using the work done by the generalized aerodynamic forces or by the self-excited forces along the bridge axis. Accordingly, their contribution to the aerodynamic damping can be clearly identified. The multimode flutter generation mechanism and the roles of flutter derivatives are investigated. Finally, the coupling effects on the buffeting response due to self-excited forces are also discussed.     

Modeling Response of Flexible High-Aspect-Ratio Wings to Wind Turbulence

Analytical modeling of the effect of wind turbulence on flexible high-aspect-ratio aircraft wings typical of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The wind model is derived from the Kolmogorov power-law spectrum random field turbulence model invoking the Taylor “frozen-field” hypothesis. The aerodynamic model is based on the typical-section compressible attached-flow with Kutta–Joukowski boundary conditions. The gust loading—both lift and moment—is calculated explicitly for M = 0 and M = 1 as typical of subsonic and transonic flow. The gust loading intensity is shown to decrease as the speed increases, so that the turbulence effects are not significant at transonic speeds. To calculate the wing response we use the continuum two degree-of-freedom cantilever beam model of Goland and derive explicit expressions of the spectral density of both the plunge (bending) and pitch (torsion) response for M = 0. Numerical results are presented for two illustrative wings. Most of the turbulence energy is in the 0–10H range. Since flexibility and high aspect ratio push flutter modes and speeds down, turbulence can be a significant safety issue for UAVs in particular.     

Design of Flutter Characteristics of Composite Wings Using Frequency Constraint Optimization

This paper is concerned with designing an optimum composite flexible wing structure to enhance flutter speed by imposing modal frequency distribution constraints and comparing it with an optimum design obtained with the flutter velocity constraint. The composite wing is subjected to three flight conditions to satisfy stress constraints in addition to modal frequency distribution or flutter constraints. The multidisciplinary optimization system ASTROS was used for this study. This study indicates that flutter velocity of a wing structure can be enhanced with less increase in the weight of the structure by using frequency distribution constraints than flutter velocity constraint. In the case of a design with modal frequency constraints, the distribution of the ±45° and 90° fiber layers provided required stiffness distribution in order to produce an acceptable solution with less increase in weight than the design obtained with flutter velocity constraint. It is speculated that the required stiffness change in order to achieve necessary modal frequency separation can be achieved to prevent flutter by providing a system of “smart” actuating elements distributed within the internal substructure of a wing.     

Echocardiographic factors predicting the maintenance of sinus rhythm one year after cardioversion for non-valvular atrial arrhythmias]

Echocardiographic factors predictive of the maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful cardioversion were investigated in 94 patients with non-valvular atrial arrhythmias of recent onset. Seventy-five patients with atrial fibrillation and 19 with atrial flutter admitted for reduction of their arrhythmias underwent transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. After excluding a thrombus in the left atrial appendage or checking that it had disappeared (5 patients), and electrical (n = 74) or pharmacological (n = 20) cardioversion was successfully performed. The maintenance of sinus rhythm (n = 44) or recurrence of arrhythmia (n = 50) were controlled every 3 months for one year. The mean value of the peak positive blood flow in the left atrial appendage was 38 +/- 20 cm/s for the whole group. It was not possible to identify an echocardiographic parameter predictive of maintenance of sinus rhythm at one year either in the whole group or in the subgroups with atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation. In the group in atrial flutter, the mean value of the peak positive blood flow in the left atrial appendage was significantly greater than in the group with atrial fibrillation: 49 +/- 22 cm/s vs 35 +/- 18 cm/s, respectively; p < 0.05. The peak of positive flow in the left atrial appendage was statistically related to indirect parameters of left atrial function and of left ventricular function in the group with atrial fibrillation but only with parameters of left ventricular function in the smaller group with atrial flutter.     

Conduction properties of the inferior vena cava-tricuspid annular isthmus in patients with typical atrial flutter

INTRODUCTION: A functional region of slow conduction located in the inferior right atrium has been postulated to be critical to the induction and maintenance of typical human atrial flutter. We reexamined the potential role of functional conduction delay in the annular isthmus between the tricuspid valve and the inferior vena cava; it is within this region that such delays have been postulated to occur, and where interruption of conduction by radiofrequency energy application has been shown to eliminate typical flutter. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty patients with type I atrial flutter (30 counterclockwise, 14 clockwise) were studied. Counterclockwise and clockwise isthmus activation times adjacent and parallel to the tricuspid valve were measured during three conditions: (1) atrial pacing in sinus rhythm, (2) atrial flutter, and (3) entrainment of atrial flutter. During pacing in sinus rhythm at progressively shorter cycle lengths, both counterclockwise and clockwise isthmus activation times remained unchanged; decremental conduction prior to flutter induction or loss of capture was not observed. Counterclockwise isthmus activation time did not significantly differ during flutter (68 +/- 23 msec), inferolateral tricuspid annulus pacing (71 +/- 23 msec), or entrainment of flutter (72 +/- 23 msec). Similarly, clockwise isthmus activation times did not significantly differ between flutter (65 +/- 22 msec), proximal coronary sinus pacing (73 +/- 21 msec), or entrainment of flutter (64 +/- 15 msec). CONCLUSION: Decremental conduction is not characteristic of activation through the isthmus when activation is assessed parallel and adjacent to the tricuspid annulus. Functional slowing or conduction delay does not develop in this region during typical atrial flutter.     

Thromboembolism in chronic atrial flutter: is the risk underestimated?

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the risk of thromboembolic events in the presence of chronic atrial flutter and to determine the impact of anticoagulation therapy, if any, on this risk. BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic events are thought to be rare after cardioversion of atrial flutter. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive patients referred to the electrophysiology laboratory for cardioversion of chronic atrial flutter from 1986 to 1996. Atrial flutter was present for at least 6 months. Of the 110 patients reviewed, 100 had adequate information available regarding the effectiveness of anticoagulation (mean age 64 years, range 27 to 86; 75 men, 25 women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction 42%). RESULTS: Thirteen patients (13%) had a thromboembolic event. Of these, seven were attributable to causes other than atrial flutter. In the remaining six patients (6%), thromboembolic events occurred during a rhythm of atrial flutter or after cardioversion to sinus rhythm. Other causes of thromboembolism were excluded. Effective anticoagulation was associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolism (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic atrial flutter are at an increased risk of thromboembolic events. Effective anticoagulation may decrease this risk.     

Revisiting Multimode Coupled Bridge Flutter: Some New Insights

Better understanding of the bimodal coupled bridge flutter involving fundamental vertical bending and torsional modes offers valuable insight into multimode coupled flutter, which has primarily been the major concern in the design of long span bridges. This paper presents a new framework that provides closed-form expressions for estimating modal characteristics of bimodal coupled bridge systems and for estimating the onset of flutter. Though not intended as a replacement for complex eigenvalue analysis, it provides important physical insight into the role of self-excited forces in modifying bridge dynamics and the evolution of intermodal coupling with increasing wind velocity. The accuracy and effectiveness of this framework are demonstrated through flutter analysis of a cable-stayed bridge. Based on this analysis scheme, the role of bridge structural and aerodynamic characteristics on flutter, which helps to better tailor the structural systems and deck sections for superior flutter performance, is emphasized. Accordingly, guidance on the selection of critical structural modes and the role of different force components in multimode coupled flutter are delineated. The potential significance of the consideration of intermodal coupling in predicting torsional flutter is highlighted. Finally, clear insight concerning the role of drag force to bridge flutter is presented.     

Systolic mitral flutter, an echocardiographic clue to the diagnosis of ruptured chordae tendineae

A new finding of fine systolic fluttering of the mitral leaflet is described in two patients with ruptured chordae tendinease and severe mitral regurgitation. The flutter is caused by the action of high-velocity blood flow upon the leaflet margin that has lost its support. The jet stream of blood evokes a high-frequency vibratory motion of the tensed leaflet as opposed to the previously described, lower frequency, less specific, diastolic flutter. This finding was not seen in the echocardiograms of 75 patients with other forms of mitral regurgitation. Systolic flutter appears to be specific for ruptured chordae tendineae.     

Curve Veering of Eigenvalue Loci of Bridges with Aeroelastic Effects

The eigenvalues of bridges with aeroelastic effects are commonly portrayed in terms of a family of frequency and damping loci as a function of mean wind velocity. Depending on the structural dynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of the bridge, when two frequencies approach one another over a range of wind velocities, their loci tend to repel, thus avoiding an intersection, whereas the mode shapes associated with these two frequencies are exchanged in a rapid but continuous way as if the curves had intersected. This behavior is referred to as the curve veering phenomenon. In this paper, the curve veering of cable-stayed and suspension bridge frequency loci is studied. A perturbation series solution is utilized to estimate the variations of the complex eigenvalues due to small changes in the system parameters and establish the condition under which frequency loci veer, quantified in terms of the difference between adjacent eigenvalues and the level of mode interaction. Prior to the discussion of bridge frequency loci, the curve veering of a two-degree-of-freedom system comprised of a primary structure and tuned mass damper is discussed, which not only provides new insight into the dynamics of this system, but also helps in understanding the veering of bridge frequency loci. To study this more complicated dynamic system, a closed-form solution of a two-degree-of-freedom coupled flutter is obtained, and the underlying physics associated with the heaving branch flutter is discussed in light of the veering of frequency loci. It is demonstrated that the concept of curve veering in bridge frequency loci provides a correct explanation of multimode coupled flutter analysis results for long span bridges and helps to improve understanding of the underlying physics of their aeroelastic behavior.     

Flutter Phenomenon in Aeroelasticity and Its Mathematical Analysis

The present paper is the last part of a three-part survey paper, in which I give a review of several research directions in the area of mathematical analysis of flutter phenomenon. Flutter is known as a structural dynamical instability, which occurs in a solid elastic structure interacting with a flow of gas or fluid and consists of violent vibrations of the structure with rapidly increasing amplitudes. The focus of this paper is a collection of models of fluid-structure interaction, for which precise mathematical formulations are available. My main interest is in the analytical results on such models: the results that can be used to explain flutter and its qualitative and even quantitative treatments. This study does not pretend to be a comprehensive review of an enormous engineering literature on analytical, computational, and experimental aspects of the flutter problem. I present a brief exposition of the results obtained in several selected papers or groups of papers. In this paper, I concentrate on the most well-known cases of flutter, i.e., flutter in aeroelasticity. Namely, I discuss aircraft flutter in historical retrospective and outline some future directions of flutter analysis. The last two sections of the paper are devoted to the precise analytical results obtained in my several recent works on a specific aircraft wing model in a subsonic, inviscid, incompressible airflow. I also mention that in the previous papers (Parts I and II of the survey), I discuss such topics as: (1) bending–torsion vibrations of coupled beams; (2) flutter in transmission lines; (3) flutter in rotating blades; (4) flutter in hard disk drives; (5) flutter in suspension bridges; and (6) flutter of blood vessel walls.     

Risk of thromboembolic events in patients with atrial flutter

Based on multiple studies, clear, guided anticoagulation therapy is recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation. The value of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial flutter, however, is less well established. Little is known about the incidence of thromboembolism in patients with atrial flutter. We evaluated the risk of thromboembolism in 191 consecutive unselected patients referred for treatment of atrial flutter. A history of embolic events was noted in 11 patients. Acute embolism (<48 hours) occurred in 4 patients (3 after direct current cardioversion, 1 after catheter ablation). During follow-up of 26+/-18 months, 9 patients experienced thromboembolic events. During the follow-up, the overall embolic event rate (including acute embolism and thromboembolic events during follow-up) was 7 % in this patient population. Risk indicators for an embolic event in an univariate analysis were organic heart disease (p = 0.037), depressed left ventricular function (p = 0.02), history of systemic hypertension (p = 0.004), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.0038). Using multivariate analysis, a history of hypertension was the only independent predictor for elevated embolic risk in this patient population (odds ratio = 6.5; 95% confidence intervals 1.5 to 45). Thus, the thromboembolic risk is higher than previously recognized for patients with atrial flutter. Anticoagulation therapy may decrease this risk.     

Dynamic Instability of Nanorods/Nanotubes Subjected to an End Follower Force

This paper presents an investigation on the dynamic instability of cantilevered nanorods/nanotubes subjected to an end follower force. Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory is employed to allow for the small length scale effect in the considered dynamic instability problem. The general solution for the governing differential equation is obtained and the dynamic instability characteristic equation is derived by applying the boundary conditions. Exact critical load factors are obtained. These nonlocal solutions are compared with the classical local solutions to assess the sensitivity of the small length scale effect on the critical load factors and flutter mode shapes. It is found that the small length scale effect decreases the critical load and the corresponding frequency parameters as well as reduces the severity of the double-curvature flutter mode shape.     

Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Flutter in Bending-Torsion Coupled Beams, Rotating Blades, and Hard Disk Drives

In this study I present a review of several research directions in the area of mathematical analysis of flutter phenomenon. Flutter is known as a structural dynamical instability that occurs in a solid elastic structure interacting with a flow of gas or fluid, and consists of violent vibrations of the structure with rapidly increasing amplitudes. The focus of this review is a collection of models of fluid-structure interaction, for which precise mathematical formulations are available. The main objects of interest are analytical results on such models, which can be used for flutter explanation, its qualitative and even quantitative treatments. This paper does not pretend to be a comprehensive review of the enormous amount of engineering literature on analytical, computational, and experimental aspects of the flutter problem. I present a brief exposition of the results obtained in several selected papers or groups of papers on the following topics: (1) bending-torsion vibrations of coupled beams; (2) flutter in transmission lines; (3) flutter in rotating blades; (4) flutter in hard disk drives; (5) flutter in suspension bridges; and (6) flutter of blood vessel walls. Finally, I concentrate on the most well-known case of flutter, i.e., flutter in aeroelasticity. The last two sections of this review are devoted to the precise analytical results obtained in my several recent papers on a specific aircraft wing model in a subsonic, inviscid, incompressible airflow.     

Conduction properties of the crista terminalis in patients with typical atrial flutter: basis for a line of block in the reentrant circuit

INTRODUCTION: Previous mapping studies in patients with typical atrial flutter have demonstrated the crista terminalis to be a posterior barrier of the reentrant circuit forming a line of block. However, the functional role of the crista terminalis in patients with or without a history of atrial flutter is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine whether the conduction properties of the crista terminalis are different between patients with and those without a history of atrial flutter. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 12 patients with clinically documented atrial flutter (group 1) and 12 patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia as well as induced atrial flutter (group 2). A 7-French, 20-pole, deflectable Halo catheter was positioned around the tricuspid annulus. A 7-French, 20-pole Crista catheter was placed along the crista terminalis identified by the recording of double potentials with opposite activation sequences during typical atrial flutter. After sinus rhythm was restored, pacing from the low posterior right atrium near the crista terminalis was performed at multiple cycle length to 2:1 atrial capture. No double potentials were recorded along the crista terminalis during sinus rhythm in both groups. In group 1, the longest pacing cycle length that resulted in a line of block with double potentials along the crista terminalis was 638 +/- 119 msec. After infusion of propranolol, it was prolonged to 832 +/- 93 msec without change of the interdeflection intervals of double potentials. In group 2, the longest pacing cycle length that resulted in a line of block with double potentials along the crista terminalis was 214 +/- 23 msec. After infusion of procainamide, it was prolonged to 306 +/- 36 msec with increase of interdeflection interval of double potentials. CONCLUSION: The crista terminalis forms a line of transverse conduction block during typical atrial flutter. Poor transverse conduction property in the crista terminalis may be the requisite substrate for clinical occurrence of typical atrial flutter.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with common atrial flutter

BACKGROUND: Type 1 atrial flutter is produced by a reentry circuit located in the right atrium that can be interrupted applying radiofrequency in the inferior cava-tricuspid valve isthmus. AIM: To report our experience in the treatment of atrial flutter with radiofrequency ablation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine patients (eight male) whose ages ranged from 6 to 72 years old were studied. Two patients had an operated congenital cardiopathy, two had high blood pressure, one was subjected previously to radiofrequency ablation due to a left paraspecific pathway, one developed a cardiac failure secondary to tachycardia and three did not have evidences of cardiopathy. RESULTS: In two patients, atrial flutter was not interrupted. In the other seven patients, radiofrequency ablation was successful. There were three relapses in the first month after the procedure, of these, two patients were successfully treated again. After a mean follow up of 4.5 months, these patients are asymptomatic and without antiarrhythmic drugs. Analysis of obtained signals, showed that radiofrequency that interrupted atrial flutter always occurred in zones of double potentials. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment for atrial flutter and the zone of successful ablation is associated to the presence of double atrial potentials.     

Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Flutter in Long-Span Suspension Bridges and in Blood Vessel Walls

A review of several research directions in the area of mathematical analysis of the flutter phenomenon is presented in the present study. Flutter is known as a structural dynamical instability, which occurs in a solid elastic structure interacting with a flow of gas or fluid and consists of violent vibrations of the structure with rapidly increasing amplitudes. The focus of this review is a collection of models of fluid-structure interactions, for which precise mathematical formulations are available. The main objects of interest are analytical results on such models, which can be used for flutter explanation, qualitative, and even quantitative treatments of the models. This study does not pretend to be a comprehensive review of the enormous engineering literature on analytical, computational, and experimental aspects of the flutter problem. The entire survey provides a brief exposition of the results obtained in several selected papers or groups of papers on the following topics: (1) Bending-torsion vibrations of coupled beams; (2) flutter in transmission lines; (3) flutter in rotating blades; (4) flutter in hard disk drives; (5) flutter in suspension bridges; and (6) flutter of blood vessel walls. The last topic of the review is devoted to the most well-known cases of flutter, i.e., flutter in aeroelasticity. Namely, the precise analytical results obtained in the author’s several recent papers on a specific aircraft wing model in a subsonic, inviscid, incompressible airflow are discussed.     

Isolated paralysis of the ramus marginalis mandibulae nervi facialis: clinical aspects, etiology, diagnosis and therapy. An overview]

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the predictors of recurrent atrial flutter or fibrillation after successful radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter. In addition, there is only limited evidence suggesting that elimination of atrial flutter would modify the natural history of atrial fibrillation in patients who experienced both of these arrhythmias. The aims of the present study were to investigate the long-term results of radiofrequency catheter ablation and to examine the predictors for late occurrence of atrial fibrillation in a large population with typical atrial flutter. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 144 patients (mean age 56 +/- 18 years) with successful ablation of clinically documented typical atrial flutter. In the first 50 patients, successful ablation was defined as termination and noninducibility of atrial flutter; for the subsequent 94 patients, successful ablation was defined as achievement of bidirectional isthmus conduction block and no induction of atrial flutter. The clinical and echocardiographic variables were analyzed in relation to the late occurrence of atrial flutter or fibrillation. Over the follow-up period of 17 +/- 13 months, 14 (9.7%) patients had recurrence of typical atrial flutter. In the first 50 patients, 8 (16%) had recurrence of atrial flutter, compared with only 6 (6%) of the following 94 patients. Patients with incomplete isthmus block had a significantly higher incidence of recurrent atrial flutter than those with complete isthmus block (6/16 vs 0/78, P < 0.0001) in the following 94 patients. There was no predictor for recurrence of atrial flutter after successful ablation as determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Although successful ablation of atrial flutter eliminated atrial fibrillation in 45% of patients with a prior history of atrial fibrillation, 31 (21.5%) of 144 patients undergoing this procedure developed atrial fibrillation during the follow-up period. Univariate analysis revealed that three clinical variables were related to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation: (1) the presence of structural heart disease; (2) a history of atrial fibrillation before ablation; and (3) inducible sustained atrial fibrillation after ablation. By multivariate analysis, only a history of atrial fibrillation and inducible sustained atrial fibrillation could predict the late development of atrial fibrillation after atrial flutter ablation. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter is highly effective and associated with a low recurrence rate of atrial flutter, but atrial fibrillation continues to be a long-term risk for patients undergoing this procedure. The presence of structural heart disease and prior spontaneous or inducible sustained atrial fibrillation increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation.