Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 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

A Swedish consensus on the surgical treatment of concomitant atrial fibrillation

1, Anders Ahlsson, Lena Jidéus

  • 1Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. anders.ahlsson@orebroll.se

Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal : SCJ
|March 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) during heart surgery is recommended. The Cox Maze III procedure remains the gold standard, with over 90% of patients achieving freedom from AF after one year.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in open heart surgery patients, increasing morbidity and mortality.
  • International guidelines recommend surgical AF ablation alongside valve or coronary surgery for eligible patients.
  • The Cox Maze III procedure is the established gold standard for surgical AF treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a consensus on the surgical treatment of concomitant atrial fibrillation in Sweden.
  • To emphasize adherence to the Cox Maze III lesion pattern for optimal outcomes.
  • To address the need for standardization in surgical AF ablation techniques.

Main Methods:

  • The Swedish Arrhythmia Surgery Group, comprising surgeons from all national cardiothoracic surgery units, developed the consensus.
  • The consensus focuses on the established Cox Maze III lesion pattern.
  • Biatrial lesions are recommended for patients with nonparoxysmal AF.

Main Results:

  • The Cox Maze III procedure demonstrates over 90% freedom from AF at one year post-surgery.
  • Recent alternative ablation technologies and simplified patterns have yielded unsatisfactory results.
  • Standardization of AF surgery is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Adherence to the Cox Maze III procedure's lesion pattern is emphasized for surgical AF treatment.
  • Biatrial lesions are recommended for nonparoxysmal AF in conjunction with cardiac surgery.
  • A unified approach to surgical AF ablation is essential for consistent efficacy.

More Related Videos

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

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

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...
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
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...
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...