Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Surgery for atrial fibrillation

S L Lim1, Y L Chua

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre, 17 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore 168752.

Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|August 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Surgical ablation offers a cure for atrial fibrillation, the most common heart rhythm disorder. Newer, simpler procedures are now available, achieving high success rates in treating this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
  • The Cox maze procedure is the gold standard for surgical atrial fibrillation treatment, with over 90% efficacy.
  • Procedure complexity and long operating times have limited the widespread adoption of the Cox maze procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation.
  • To present the experience with the radiofrequency Cox maze III procedure.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical development in surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation.
  • Analysis of outcomes from the radiofrequency Cox maze III procedure.

Main Results:

  • The classic Cox maze procedure demonstrates high efficacy (>90%) but is complex.
  • Advancements in understanding and technology have led to simpler, reproducible ablation techniques.
  • Newer surgical procedures achieve approximately 80% cure rates for atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical ablation is the most effective curative treatment for atrial fibrillation.
  • Simpler, modern surgical ablation techniques offer a viable alternative to the classic Cox maze procedure.
  • The radiofrequency Cox maze III procedure represents an important development in surgical atrial fibrillation management.

More Related Videos

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation11:21

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...