Thoracoscopic ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation: a 2-port approach.
We describe epicardial ablation using a 2-port, right-sided, thoracoscopic approach for pulmonary vein isolation on the beating heart in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Our early success rate with this procedure for the epicardial lesion pattern is 86%. Utilizing new ablation energy sources, such as laser and microwave, this port access approach offers surgeons a true minimally invasive, safe, and efficacious option that will support the lone treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Enloe Medical Center and Health Systems, Chico, California 95926, USA. drlipoa@yahoo.com
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D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000601:surgery*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*