Intraoperative microwave ablation in patients undergoing valvular surgery: midterm results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of intraoperative microwave ablation to restore sinus rhythm and systolic atrial function in patients undergoing valvular surgery.


METHODS
Forty-one patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent operations. The mean age was 61 years (range, 45- 76 years). AF was permanent in 30 patients and paroxysmal in 11. Associated cardiac procedures were mitral valve repair in 10 patients, mitral valve replacement in 12, and mitro-aortic valve replacement in 19. The microwave procedure (FLEX, AFx inc.) was performed to create an endocardial bilateral encircling isolation of the ostia of the pulmonary veins.


RESULTS
There was no hospital mortality or morbidity. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 months. At follow-up, sinus rhythm was found in 34 patients (82.9%). Echocardiography results at follow-up showed no major or minor left atrial thrombosis and only a mild impairment of the systolic left atrial function.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative microwave ablation is a safe and effective treatment to restore sinus rhythm and a mildly impaired left atrial function in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery.
Venturini
Andrea
A
Cardiovascular Department, Umberto I Hospital, Venice-Mestre, Italy. andrventurini@libero.it
Polesel
Elvio
E
Cutaia
Valeria
V
Asta
Angiolino
A
Mangino
Domenico
D
Moretti
Roberto
R
Terrini
Alberto
A
Zussa
Claudio
C
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000628:therapy; D004554:Electric Countershock; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged