title: Radiofrequency and cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing valvular operations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have shown that the maze operation can restore sinus rhythm and atrial transport function in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of the application of radiofrequency and cryoablation as an alternative to the classic maze operation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve patients undergoing mitral valve procedures were included in this study. Radiofrequency and cryoablation were applied to create lesions in both atria to simulate the classic maze operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were two surgical deaths. At the mean follow-up of 10.25 months for the remaining 10 patients; 6 were in sinus rhythm, 2 in atrial rhythm, 1 in paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, and 1 in atrial fibrillation. Doppler echocardiography at 6-month follow-up showed emergence of biatrial transport function in 3 patients and right atrial contractility in 8. At 12-month follow-up of 5 patients, Doppler echocardiography showed biatrial transport function in 3 and right atrial contractility in 4.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our modified maze procedure during valvular operation is effective for achieving an acceptable success rate to restore sinus rhythm and atrial transport function in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000209:etiology; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002423:Cause of Death; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D015996:Survival Rate; D013614:Tachycardia, Paroxysmal / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome