Microwave ablation for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation

Microwave energy is a relatively new energy modality that is being used for surgical atrial ablation as a treatment of atrial fibrillation. Microwave energy works by dielectric heating and has a favorable thermal profile that permits both rapid endocardial and epicardial ablation. The device is also extremely flexible and can be easily adapted to minimally invasive applications. The device has been used in over 600 patients with a success ranging from 70% to 90% and without any device-related complications. Many of these patients have had their ablations performed from the epicardium on the beating heart without the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Microwave atrial ablation is likely to become an important part of the surgical armamentarium, particularly for those performing minimally invasive approaches to cure atrial fibrillation.