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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 26, 2013
Complete right atrial ablation with bipolar radiofrequency.
Stefano Benussi1, Andrea Galanti, Simona Nascimbene
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, S. Raffaele University Hospital, Milan, Italy. stefano.benussi@hsr.it
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|April 22, 2009
Summary
Bipolar radiofrequency ablation can now achieve complete right atrial maze lines, previously requiring unipolar devices. This safe and reproducible technique offers an 85% arrhythmia-free rate, simplifying complex cardiac procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Right atrial ablation is crucial for treating arrhythmias but traditionally requires unipolar devices.
- Bipolar radiofrequency devices are typically not considered sufficient for complete right atrial maze lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel technique for performing complete right atrial maze lines using only bipolar radiofrequency.
- To assess the feasibility and safety of this bipolar radiofrequency-only approach.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-four patients underwent ablation using a bipolar radiofrequency device exclusively for right atrial lines.
- The technique involved accessing the epicardium, developing the atrioventricular groove, and creating endo-epicardial lines.
Main Results:
- No ablation-related complications or deaths occurred.
- 85% of patients were arrhythmia-free at a mean follow-up of 8 months.
- 83% of patients achieved stable sinus rhythm at 6 months, with 3 requiring pacemakers.
Conclusions:
- Complete Maze III right atrial ablations are achievable solely with bipolar radiofrequency.
- The described procedure is safe, effective, and readily reproducible.
