A Seven-year Experience for The Surgical Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Objective A 7-year experience for the treatment strategy using mono- and bi-polar radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedures in a heterogeneous group of patients was reported. Methods Between July 2003 and May 2009, the data of 314 consecutive patients aged 13-75(48.70±11.09)undergone the radiofrequency ablation procedure for AF associated with concomitant cardiac surgery were analyzed. Monopolar was used for 91 patients; Medtronic bi-polar radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedure for 92 patients and Atricure RF ablation procedure 131 patients. All patients were combined with valve surgery. Regular follow-ups were performed at 3, 6 month after surgery. Results Hospital mortality after combined open heart and sargicol RF ablation was 0 %. The success rates for sinus rhythm conversion with monopolar RF were 73.6 % immediately, 74.7 % at 3 months, 79.1 % at 6 months; with Medtronic bi-polar RF, the rates were 78.3 % immediately, 82.8 % at 3 months, 84 % at 6 months; with Atricure bi-polar RF, the rates were 82.4 % immediately, 84.1 % at 3 months, 83.9 % at 6 months. Conclusions The use of RF ablation procedures is a safe and efficient option to cure AF during open heart surgery in a selective group of patients.