title: Comparison of standard Maze III and radiofrequency Maze operations for treatment of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compares clinical results of the standard Maze III operation, a highly effective treatment for atrial fibrillation, to less complex variations of the Maze III operation utilizing unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation and pulmonary vein isolation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records were reviewed of 377 patients who had operations for treatment of atrial fibrillation at a single institution over a 10-year period. Standard Maze III was performed in 220 patients, unipolar radiofrequency Maze III in 60, bipolar radiofrequency Maze III in 65, and radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation in 32. Electrocardiograms were obtained at discharge and 3-, 6-, and 12-month intervals. Chi-square test, logistic regression, and Bayesian theory analyses were performed to determine significant associations between operative procedures and outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age was 65.1 years (range 22-87). There were 13 hospital deaths (3.4%) and 16 deaths during follow-up. Most patients (90.2%, 340/377) had concomitant operations. Electrocardiogram analysis was available in 344 patients at 3 months and 313 patients at 6 months. Freedom from atrial fibrillation at 6 months was superior after standard Maze III compared with radiofrequency modifications. Subanalysis according to surgeon experience demonstrated good results regardless of operative experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This single-institution experience suggests that the standard Maze III operation is superior to radiofrequency operations for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency modifications of the Maze III operation are also effective treatments for atrial fibrillation and can achieve good results regardless of surgeon experience.
authors: Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. john.doty@intermountainmail.org
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: Doty
authors: Donald B
authors: DB
authors: Doty
authors: Kent W
authors: KW
authors: Jones
authors: Jean H
authors: JH
authors: Flores
authors: Marlene
authors: M
authors: Mensah
authors: Bruce B
authors: BB
authors: Reid
authors: Stephen E
authors: SE
authors: Clayson
authors: Greg
authors: G
authors: Snow
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Righter
authors: Roger C
authors: RC
authors: Millar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies