[Effects of combined mitral valve replacement and radiofrequency atrial ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to find out the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter atrial ablation (RF) simultaneously done with mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery in patients having rheumatic mitral valve disease with chronic atrial fibrillation and to evaluate the short-term postoperative results.


METHODS
Seventeen patients underwent MVR surgery, and intraoperative RF procedures were done simultaneously with MVR to eight of these patients, whereas remaining nine of them were assigned to control group. Patients were assessed preoperatively, at time of discharge, and 1st, 6th and 12th months controls. Atrial and ventricular functions were evaluated with echocardiography, serum atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels were investigated and electrocardiograms were recorded in all patients.


RESULTS
Demographically there were no significant differences between two groups. Radiofrequency ablation group had longer aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass times. Sinus rhythm was established in seven patients of RF group at postoperative 12th month. However, all patients of this group experienced sinus rhythm at postoperative sixth month whereas 'atrial kick' was detected in five of them. Significantly increased ejection fraction, decreased pulmonary artery pressure and decreased left atrial diameter were observed in RF group compared to control group. Serum ANP levels were found to be significantly decreased as compared to preoperative periods in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Although RF ablation has higher costs, this technique is efficient and useful to restore the sinus rhythm and to recover the atrial functions back in patients having rheumatic mitral valve disease.
Bahar
Ilknur
I
Türkiye Yüksek Ihtisas Hastanesi Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Kliniği, Ankara, Türkiye. sakgul@hotmail.com
Akgül
Ahmet
A
Babaroğlu
Seyhan
S
Ozatik
Mehmet Ali
MA
Turhan
Hasan
H
Göl
M Kamil
MK
Sener
Erol
E
Taşdemir
Oğuz
O
D000328:Adult; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008943:Mitral Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009320:Atrial Natriuretic Factor