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Updated: Jul 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

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: a look into the future

Ralph J Damiano1, Richard B Schuessler, Rochus K Voeller

  • 1Department of Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. damianor@wudosis.wustl.edu

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|April 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation has evolved from the invasive maze procedure to less invasive ablation techniques. Further research is needed to understand atrial fibrillation mechanisms and optimize ablation strategies for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • The Cox maze procedure, introduced in 1987, effectively treats atrial fibrillation and prevents stroke.
  • The complexity and invasiveness of the maze procedure have driven the development of less invasive surgical alternatives.
  • Numerous new surgical approaches utilizing various energy sources have emerged for atrial fibrillation treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of surgical treatments for atrial fibrillation.
  • To address the current confusion regarding optimal lesion patterns and energy sources in atrial fibrillation ablation.
  • To highlight the need for a deeper understanding of atrial fibrillation mechanisms and ablation technology's impact.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical and contemporary surgical techniques for atrial fibrillation.
  • Analysis of different energy sources used in ablation procedures.
  • Discussion of the impact of ablation on atrial hemodynamics and electrophysiology.

Main Results:

  • The development of less invasive ablation techniques as alternatives to the maze procedure.
  • Significant confusion exists in the literature regarding the best ablation strategies.
  • Lack of understanding of atrial fibrillation mechanisms and ablation effects contributes to this confusion.

Conclusions:

  • Further research into atrial fibrillation mechanisms is crucial for advancing treatment.
  • Continued investigation into the safety and efficacy of ablation devices is necessary.
  • Optimizing surgical and ablation strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of atrial electrophysiology.

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