title: A new vacuum-assisted probe for minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Cobra Adhere XL (Estech, San Ramon, CA) is a multiple-electrode, temperature-controlled, monopolar radiofrequency probe with a vacuum-assisted stabilization system. We evaluated this new technology for epicardial ablation of atrial fibrillation in mitral valve patients through a right mini-thoracotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between June and August 2008, 12 patients underwent minimal invasive surgery for mitral disease and ablation for atrial fibrillation with the Cobra Adhere XL (Estech). Three patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Off-pump pulmonary vein isolation was performed with an epicardial oval lesion parallel to the mitral plane. In 10 patients, an endocardial lesion to the mitral annulus was added.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no operative deaths or major postoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 8.76 +/- 1.0 months, 11 patients (91.67%) were in stable sinus rhythm. Echocardiography underscored a complete recovery of atrial transport function in most of these patients (90.91%). No major cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred during follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Left-side ablation combined with minimally invasive surgery for mitral disease can be easily, safely, and effectively performed with the Cobra Adhere XL probe.
authors.affiliation: Adult Cardiac Surgery Department, Heart Hospital G Pasquinucci, G Monasterio Foundation, National Research Council, Massa, Italy. bevilacqua@ifc.cnr.it
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bevilacqua
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gasbarri
authors.forename: Alfredo Giuseppe
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Cerillo
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Murzi
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nannini
authors.forename: Mattia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Glauber
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014618:Vacuum