Objective: Ablating perimitral flutter (PMF) is challenging mainly because of epicardial structures such as the Bachmann bundle, the coronary sinus (CS) system, and the ligament of Marshall. There is still no consensus on which ablation strategy is the most effective. This study evaluates the acute effectiveness and safety of 3 different mitral isthmus (MI) ablation line types in treating PMF with radiofrequency ablation.
Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed 102 cases of definitively diagnosed PMF from 5131 electrophysiological procedures performed between January 2018 and April 2024 in our center. The 3 MI line types implemented were the anteroseptal line (ASML) from the mitral valve annulus to the right superior pulmonary vein, the anterior line (AML) from the mitral valve annulus to the left superior pulmonary vein, and the lateral (or posterior) line (LML) from the lateral mitral valve annulus to the left inferior pulmonary vein. In addition to endocardial ablation, when necessary, CS ablation and ethanol ablation of the vein of Marshall (VOM-ETOH) were used.
Results: The LML had the highest block success rate (23/29 cases, 79.3%), followed by AML (41/64 cases, 64%) and ASML (19/33 cases, 57.6%). The overall acute block rate reached 81.4%, due to the combined use of multiple MI lines. In 16 cases (55.2% of LML), epicardial ablation in the CS system was performed. Use of VOM-ETOH with lateral lines increased success rates to 87.5%. Complications were rare, with one cardiac tamponade and one vascular complication.
Conclusion: The LML demonstrated a trend toward superior acute effectiveness compared with AMLs and ASMLs for PMF, especially with adjunctive epicardial ablation techniques, without safety concerns. Accurate verification of bidirectional block and non-inducibility is critical.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has recently been introduced into clinical practice with the potential to revolutionize medicine. AI will provide the physician with unlimited power, which is almost impossible to foresee at present. In addition, AI can be used for the development of pharmacologic agents and antibodies with unprecedented accuracy and speed. AI will assist the physician in defining individuals at high risk for developing a certain disease and, in turn, provide appropriate care to delay or prevent the disease. Using vast information related to a certain disease, the physician will be able to apply individualized care in contrast to the current approach based on guidelines where "one size fits all." With prevention and individualized care, the cost of health care will decrease, human suffering will diminish, and overall mortality will decline. However, in this endless evolution of medicine, the role of the physician remains constant, which is to maintain the health of a human being. In addition to diagnosis and management, the physician should apply common sense, courage, and compassion when dealing with the difficulties of human life that may escape machines. Humanistic values, among others, are basic for the caring physician. Thus, the humanistic approach to the patient and the divine vocation of the physician should never be forgotten and should be based on a solid ethical foundation. The greatest challenge for physicians and medical leadership in the 21st century will not be living with and adapting to changing technology, but determining the proper balance between clinical wisdom and evolving technology.

