title: A radiofrequency modified maze and valve procedure through a port-access approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the irrigated radiofrequency modified maze procedure through a port-access approach during mitral valve surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-three patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease underwent a combined procedure through a port-access approach. The indication was a history of continuous AF for more than 6 months in patients eligible for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of early mortality was 1 patient (2.3%), and that of freedom from AF was 100% at the end of the operation (70% of patients with normal sinus rhythm, 30% with a pacemaker). One patient (2.3%) required permanent pacemaker implantation after surgery. One patient (2.3%) required reoperation for bleeding. There were no reoperations for failed valve repairs. The incidences of freedom from AF were 87% and 92% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. At 12 months, functional capacity had improved significantly (P < .05). There were no procedure-related complications. No thromboembolic events were detected during follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The port-access approach provided a good access for both valve surgery and the radiofrequency maze procedure. The combination of direct and videoscopic vision allowed an adequate view and led to a safe and efficient combined procedure. Short- and intermediate-term follow-up results were favorable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Güden
authors.forename: Belhhan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Akpinar
authors.forename: Ertan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sagbas
authors.forename: Ilhan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sanisoglu
authors.forename: Mehmet U
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Ergenoglu
authors.forename: Ugur
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ozbek
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017548:Echocardiography, Transesophageal; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000601:surgery; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods