Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation was safe with no complications, though 36% of patients remained in atrial fibrillation at >3 months follow-up.
Observational (n=43)
Does direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation safely treat chronic atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing concomitant cardiac surgery?
Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation is a fast and safe alternative to surgical incisions for treating chronic atrial fibrillation during concomitant mitral valve surgery.
OBJECTIVE: The results obtained in 43 patients using direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation, as an alternative to surgical incisions, to perform atrial fibrillation surgery, are presented. METHODS: Forty-three patients with ages ranging from 43 to 74 years (x = 59), with chronic atrial fibrillation with an average duration 6+/-5 years were operated. Eleven patients suffered from clinically relevant tachyarrythmia and eight had previous thromboembolic events. All but one patient had concomitant mitral valve surgery. Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation was used to perform endocardial bilateral isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. RESULTS: There were no local or general complications, namely bleeding or thromboembolic events. Of the 33 patients with more than 3 months of follow-up, 36% remained in atrial fibrillation (Santa Cruz score 0); 30% had Score 4; 18% had Score 3; 6% had Score 2; 9% had Score 1. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the use of intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation is fast and safe. Presently, this is our method of choice for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in mitral patients.
Melo et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in Chronic atrial fibrillation (n=43). Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation was evaluated on Atrial fibrillation status (Santa Cruz score). Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation was safe with no complications, though 36% of patients remained in atrial fibrillation at >3 months follow-up.