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Time‐Related Prevalence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Stand‐Alone Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation
Author(s) -
La Meir Mark,
Gelsomino Sandro,
Luca Fabiana,
Pison Laurent,
Chambille Pol,
Parise Orlando,
Crijns Harry J.,
Maessen Jos G.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2011.01272.x
Subject(s) - medicine , atrial fibrillation , electrical cardioversion , heart rhythm , ablation , radiofrequency ablation , cardioversion , thoracoscopy , sinus rhythm , catheter ablation , cardiology , surgery
: Background and Aim of the Study : We present our results with minimally invasive surgical treatment of lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) employing a radiofrequency (RF) source through a bilateral thoracoscopy. Methods : Between January 2007 and January 2011, 28 consecutive patients (85.7% male, mean age 67.1 ± 9.1 years) with LAF underwent video‐assisted bilateral RF ablation. Fourteen patients (50%) had paroxysmal, five (17.8%) persistent, and nine (32.2%) long‐persistent LAF. All patients were followed‐up according to the Heart Rhythm Society/ European Heart Rhythm Association/European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (HRS/EHRA/ECA) and success/failure was reported as suggested by Society of Thoracic Surgeon (STS) guidelines. Mean follow‐up was 27.8 ± 8.6 months. Results : Time‐related prevalence of postoperative AF was 4.5% at 36 months. Success was much more likely in subjects with paroxysmal (3‐year prevalence, 0%) or persistent (3‐year prevalence, 0%) than long‐standing persistent LAF (3‐year prevalence, 8.3%). At 36 months the estimated prevalence of antiarrhythmic drugs was 11.3% (8.8 to 13.7). No major thromboembolic events were detected during the follow‐up period and 36‐month prevalence of Warfarin use was 15.2% (11.5 to 18.1). Finally, no patient underwent electrical cardioversion. Conclusions : This approach yielded satisfactory results with a high degree of safety. Further larger studies are necessary to confirm our findings. (J Card Surg 2011;26:453‐459)