Midterm clinical experience with microwave surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.
OBJECTIVE
Multiple energy sources and lesion sets have been described as an alternative to the conventional cut-and-sew Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). Described are midterm results with microwave (MW) energy and a single left-sided lesion set so that surgeons can evaluate whether this approach may be appropriate for their patients.


METHODS
Twenty-nine consecutive patients with chronic (86%) or paroxysmal (14%) AF, undergoing surgery for coexisting heart disease, also underwent MW AF ablation by the use of a single lesion set. A single preoperative and postoperative management regimen was used.


RESULTS
One hundred percent electrocardiogram follow-up was obtained. At minimum follow-up of 4 months (mean 315 days), 23 of 28 patients (86%) were in stable sinus rhythm.


CONCLUSIONS
The simplified lesion set performed with MW energy compares favorably with the cut-and-sew Maze procedure for patients presenting with AF and coexisting acquired cardiac disease. Connecting lesions to the mitral annulus and right-sided lesions may add potential morbidity without additional efficacy.
Molloy
Thomas A
TA
Legacy Health Systems, Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA. tmolloy302@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D015897:Comorbidity; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome