Surgical Ablation of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation by Means of Maze Radiofrequency:. Mid-Term Results

Abstract

Intraoperative radiofrequency has permitted us to perform the maze procedure in a simple way, with a low surgical morbid-mortality. We have obtained an 85.9% electrographic effectiveness and a 65% recovery of atrial contraction. Postoperative incidence of arrhythmia is the main postoperative problem.

Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Reaching the Mainstream

“…For linear ablation, 9 reports covered 443 patients 3–11 . The respective numbers for other techniques: focal 10 reports/508 patients 12–21 ; ostial isolation 343/2,187 22–55 ; circumferential including WACA/LACA 20/2,449 31,50,53,55–71 and PVAI 82/11,132; substrate ablation (CFAE) 8/559 51,152–158 ; and for surgical ablation 47/4,974 164–210 …”

“…Overall, 25% required repeat procedures. The surgical results are promising: 94% of patients who underwent AF ablation had structural heart disease (SHD), 81% had persistent or permanent AF; and yet 67% were “cured,” and 79% were considered OK at 6 months 164–210 . Monitoring for recurrence of AF at follow‐up may not always be as careful as in the catheter series, so results may be optimistic.…”

Predictors of atrial fibrillation occurrence after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

“…On a population basis, HT is the most common etiological factor for AF, in contrast to studies based on hospital admissions, where ischemic heart disease is the commonest etiological factor. 16 Arterial hypertension, found in 65%-70% of AF patients, is the most common co-morbidity found in AF registries. 17 The mechanisms by which hypertension predisposes to AF are not well understood.…”

“…HT may also lead to coronary artery disease, and AF is common following myocardial infarction and the frequently associated left ventricular dysfunction. 7,16 The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system may have a key role in the development of AF. 16,17 Hypertension activates the RAA system, induces atrial hypertrophy, and thereby causes structural remodeling of the atria.…”

“…7,16 The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system may have a key role in the development of AF. 16,17 Hypertension activates the RAA system, induces atrial hypertrophy, and thereby causes structural remodeling of the atria. 18 This could explain why inhibition of the RAA system is so effective in the prevention of AF.…”