Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common form of arrhythmia in mitral valve disease. Radiofrequency ablation is most commonly used for atrial fibrillation ablation during mitral valve surgery. This prospective study evaluated the midterm outcomes of intraoperative radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation during mitral valve surgery. 52 patients were eligible for the study. Fifteen (28.8%) had a transseptal approach and 37 had a left atriotomy. Mitral valve replacement was performed in 16 patients, mitral valve repair in 31, and tricuspid repair in 8. Mean crossclamp time was 58.14.± 20.08 min, and mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 71.28 ± 20.31 min. The mean ablation time was 6.41 ± 0.21 min. There was no postoperative mortality. Sinus rhythm was documented in 44 (84.6%) patients on discharge, and 8 (15.4%) were discharged with atrial fibrillation; 2 of them returned to sinus rhythm after 3 months. After 12 months of follow-up, 46 (88.5%) patients were in sinus rhythm. Left atrial monopolar radiofrequency ablation during mitral valve surgery is a safe procedure with a high success rate.