RADIOFREQUENCY AND CRYOABLATION OF ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING VALVULAR OPERATIONS

Background. Previous studies have shown that the maze operation can re store sinus rhythm and atrial transport function in patients with chro nic atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study was to test the fea sibility of the application of radiofrequency and cryoablation as an a lternative to the classic maze operation. Methods. Twelve patients und ergoing mitral valve procedures were included in this study. Radiofreq uency and cryoablation were applied to create lesions in both atria to simulate the classic maze operation. Results. There were two surgical deaths. At the mean follow-up of 10.25 months for the remaining 10 pa tients; 6 were in sinus rhythm, 2 in atrial rhythm, 1 in paroxysmal at rial tachycardia, and 1 in atrial fibrillation. Doppler echocardiograp hy at 6-month follow-up showed emergence of biatrial transport functio n in 3 patients and right atrial contractility in 8. At 12-month follo w-up of 5 patients, Doppler echocardiography showed biatrial transport function in 3 and right atrial contractility in 4. Conclusions. Our m odified maze procedure during valvular operation is effective for achi eving an acceptable success rate to restore sinus rhythm and atrial tr ansport function in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. (C) 199 8 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.