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Updated: Oct 28, 2026
Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: May 29, 2015
A simplified and effective thoracoscopic minimally invasive ablation technique for lone atrial fibrillation: OC-box
Qi Tong1, Shaohang Xu1, Yiren Sun1
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China.
Background:
Thoracoscopic minimally invasive ablation is effective for lone atrial fibrillation but remains technically challenging. Simplified modifications are needed to improve feasibility while maintaining outcomes.
Objective:
We proposed a simplified procedure, OC-box clamping ablation, for patients with lone atrial fibrillation and evaluated its safety, effectiveness, and simplicity.
Methods:
A total of 169 patients with lone atrial fibrillation underwent either totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation (n = 63) or OC-box clamping ablation (n = 106) and completed 12-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the rates of freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial tachycardia without antiarrhythmic drugs at 4, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, as well as complications and adverse events. Logistic regression identified risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Results:
No perioperative mortality, stroke, cardiovascular injury, or intra-aortic balloon pump/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support was observed. No significant differences were observed in freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial tachycardia without antiarrhythmic drugs at 4, 6, and 12 months between totally thoracoscopic surgical and OC-box clamping ablations (84.1% vs 86.8%, P = .631; 81.0% vs 77.4%, P = .581; and 71.4% vs 76.4%, P = .472). However, OC-box clamping ablation demonstrated a significantly shorter operative time compared with the totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation (127.31 ± 22.20 minutes vs 160.29 ± 45.94 minutes; P < .01). An enlarged left atrium was associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence (odds ratio, 2.810; 95% confidence interval, 1.145-6.897; P = .024).
Conclusion:
OC-box clamping ablation achieves comparable efficacy and safety to totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation, with a simplified process and shorter operative time, making it more beginner-friendly.
