Thoracoscopic ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation: a 2-port approach

We describe epicardial ablation using a 2-port, right-sided, thoracoscopic approach for pulmonary vein isolation on the beating heart in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Our early success rate with this procedure for the epicardial lesion pattern is 86%. Utilizing new ablation energy sources, such as laser and microwave, this port access approach offers surgeons a true minimally invasive, safe, and efficacious option that will support the lone treatment of atrial fibrillation.