Favorable outcome using a maze procedure for left pneumonectomy combined with resection of the left atrium in stage IIIB lung cancer

We report a case of a 67-year-old woman with stage IIIB locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer who had also suffered from hyperthyroidism with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Thiamazole provided euthyroid status, but medication failed to resolve AF. A computed tomography (CT)-scan revealed a 5x5-cm mass in the left hilar region that involved the left atrium (LA) and bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. Left pneumonectomy, LA partial resection and reconstruction of the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery were performed. In addition, a maze procedure was performed using cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest. We present the first case report of advanced lung cancer surgery with a maze procedure. Follow-up by CT-scan 34 months later did not show any recurrence and attacks of AF (no medication after surgery) were completely resolved after the operation. (C) 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.