title: Surgery for atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency catheter ablation: assessment of results at one year.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The results obtained in 43 patients using direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation, as an alternative to surgical incisions, to perform atrial fibrillation surgery, are presented.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-three patients with ages ranging from 43 to 74 years (x = 59), with chronic atrial fibrillation with an average duration 6+/-5 years were operated. Eleven patients suffered from clinically relevant tachyarrythmia and eight had previous thromboembolic events. All but one patient had concomitant mitral valve surgery. Direct intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation was used to perform endocardial bilateral isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no local or general complications, namely bleeding or thromboembolic events. Of the 33 patients with more than 3 months of follow-up, 36% remained in atrial fibrillation (Santa Cruz score 0); 30% had Score 4; 18% had Score 3; 6% had Score 2; 9% had Score 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that the use of intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation is fast and safe. Presently, this is our method of choice for surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in mitral patients.
authors.affiliation: Santa Cruz Hospital, Heart Institute, Carnaxide, Linda-a-Velha, Portugal.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Melo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Adragão
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Neves
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rebocho
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parreira
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery