Radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery. Mid-term results

Atrial fibrillation is found in an increasing number of patients undergoing open heart surgery. It is associated with higher mortality rates, risk of stroke and left ventricular dysfunction. Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation has evolved from the complex"cut and sew" Maze procedure to less invasive techniques, utilizing alternative energy sources. We present our experience with left atrial radiofrequency ablation during cardiac surgery, outlining the technical aspects of the procedure and postoperative outcomes, with emphasis on mid-term freedom from atrial fibrillation.

The study included 93 consecutive patients with history of atrial fibrillation scheduled for cardiac surgery between January 2008 and December 2011. Concomitant left atrial radiofrequency ablation was performed using monopolar (endocardial) or bipolar (epicardial) systems, depending on the type of underlying cardiac pathology. Duration of the atrial fibrillation, re-do surgery, low ejection fraction, advanced age, or giant left atria were not considered as contraindications.

Of the included patients, 73.1 % were discharged in stable sinus rhythm. Overall freedom from atrial fibrillation was 69.6 % at late follow-up, which ranged from 12 to 48 months (median, 22 months) and did not differ for the two approaches (epicardial vs. endocardial). The presence of early atrial tachyarrhythmia was a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence (p = 0.026). Age was also associated with higher recurrence rates during hospital stay (p = 0.04), but not for late atrial fibrillation.

Concomitant left atrial radiofrequency ablation conveyed satisfactory early and mid-term rhythm control, with acceptable postoperative outcomes, given the risk profile of our patient cohort.