Surgery for atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency catheter ablation: assessment of results at one year

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) over bar = 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. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.