Features of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and secondary atrial septal defect

Objective. To study the peculiarities of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and secondary atrial septal defect. Materials and methods. During 2008­2022, 54 (4.8%) patients underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation at the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine. The type, early and long­term results of surgical interventions were analyzed. Results. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all 54 (100%) patients; linear ablation of the left atrium ­ in 2 (3.7%), ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus ­ in 28 (52.0%). The average duration of the procedure was (204.3 ± 60.5) minutes. Complications occurred in 9 (16.7%) patients. Atrial fibrillation was not detected in 44 (81.5%) patients with a secondary atrial septal defect 3 months after the procedure. Conclusions. Radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and secondary atrial septal defect is an effective and safe procedure with minimal complications. However, patients should be carefully selected for this procedure in the presence of an occluder and appropriate preoperative preparation should be performed.