Current role for surgery in treatment of lone atrial fibrillation

The Cox-Maze procedure has been performed successfully since 1987. The original surgery was performed by using the "cut and sew" technique and is considered quite complex and technically demanding; therefore, it never gained popularity among cardiac surgeons and referring cardiologists. As surgical ablation technology improved, the Cox-Maze procedure can now be performed by using new ablation devices that deliver different energy sources (radiofrequency, cryothermia, and others). The use of ablation technology simplified the technical aspects of the procedure and has led to decreased time on cardiopulmonary bypass, easier placement of ablation lines, and the development of various minimally invasive approaches to include off-pump techniques. The Heart Rhythm Society recommends surgical ablation for symptomatic patients, patients who are unable to take anticoagulation therapy, who have failed other therapies to include percutaneous catheter ablation, or by personal request. Therefore, with guidelines in place as to patient selection and newer, easier-to-use technology, more surgeons are tackling surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation, offering another treatment option for patients with lone atrial fibrillation. This article will review the current state of surgery for the ablation of lone atrial fibrillation.