Concomitant Maze IV Ablation Procedure Performed Entirely by Bipolar Clamp Through Right Lateral Minithoracotomy

Atrial fibrillation ablation with bipolar clamp has proved to be effective for patients with valvular atrial fibrillation. However, left pulmonary vein ablation with bipolar clamp through right minithoracotomy was considered difficult or impossible. In this report, we described a novel technique of performing concomitant Maze IV ablation procedure entirely by bipolar clamp through right minithoracotomy. Left pulmonary vein ablation with bipolar clamp was performed through an established channel and a natural space. This technique has proved to be safe and feasible and to have good clinical outcomes that may deserve further use for patients with atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease.