Bipolar radiofrequency maze procedure through a transseptal approach.
We report how to perform a complete open-heart ablation with bipolar radiofrequency through a transseptal incision. The connecting left atrial lines were performed by inserting one jaw of the clamp through a stab wound in the posterior left atrium, beneath the right inferior pulmonary vein. Twenty-five patients underwent concomitant ablation with the described technique in three different centers. All the left lines were easily performed. No ablation-related complication occurred. At 11 +/- 6 months, 80% of the patients were free from arrhythmias.
Benussi
Stefano
S
Division of Cardiac Surgery, S. Raffaele University Hospital, Milan, Italy. stefano.benussi@hsr.it
Cini
Roberto
R
Gaynor
Sydney L
SL
Alfieri
Ottavio
O
Calafiore
Antonio M
AM
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans