title: Totally Thoracoscopic Surgical Ablation or Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Preliminary Meta-Analysis.
abstract: This article provides results of a preliminary meta-analysis of the stand-alone atrial fibrillation (AF) surgical publications from 2009 to 2011. In 6 studies with postoperative freedom from AF as primary end point, the meta-analysis indicated an overall success rate of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.0-88.0). For the 7 studies with the primary end point of postoperative return to normal sinus rhythm, the success rate was 83% (95% CI, 79.0-87.0). These data are compared with 3 comprehensive meta-analyses of catheter ablation. Based on comparison, it is recommended that initial treatment of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation be minimal access surgery.
authors.affiliation: The Heart Hospital, Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, 4716 Allied Boulevard, Pavilion Two, Suite 310, Plano, TX 75093, USA; Cardiopulmonary Research Science and Technology Institute, 7777 Forest Lane, Suite C-742, Dallas, TX 75230, USA.
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Edgerton
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health Care Research and Improvement, Baylor Health Care System, 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
authors.forename: Lindsey M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Philpot
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health Care Research and Improvement, Baylor Health Care System, 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
authors.forename: Brandi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Falley
authors.affiliation: Institute for Health Care Research and Improvement, Baylor Health Care System, 8080 North Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
authors.forename: Sunni A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Barnes