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A completely endoscopic approach to microwave ablation for atrial fibrillation
Adam E Saltman1, Lawrence S Rosenthal, Nicola A Francalancia
1Divisions of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. saltmana@ummbc.org
Background:
Surgical therapy for atrial fibrillation is extremely effective but not widely applied. Minimally invasive methods may be more attractive. We report a case of complete pulmonary vein isolation performed entirely through a thoracoscopic approach.
Methods:
A 74-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent a microwave ablation procedure using 3 access ports in the right pleural space and 3 access ports through the left pleural space.
Results:
After the 3-hour procedure the patient was extubated in the operating room and discharged home in sinus rhythm on the second postoperative day.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic pulmonary vein isolation is a safe and effective procedure that may be applied to a wide variety of patients.