Sinus Rhythm Restoration Rate Research Articles

Outcomes of maze procedure and mitral valve surgery in atrial functional mitral regurgitation: a retrospective study

BackgroundAtrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) is a newly discovered condition associated with longstanding atrial fibrillation. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the outcomes of the maze procedure and mitral regurgitation (MR) surgery in AFMR and atrial fibrillation in comparison with those in degenerative MR (DMR).MethodsPatients who underwent mitral valve repair/replacement with a maze procedure at a hospital (July 2012–August 2021) were included. We excluded patients aged below 18 years undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting or atrial septal defect repair and those with MR etiology other than ARMR or DMR.ResultsWe included 35 patients with AFMR and 50 patients with DMR. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Long-term outcomes revealed no significant differences in the ratio of cardiac mortality, stroke, or hospital readmission. However, after the maze procedure, the sinus rhythm restoration rate was significantly lower (62% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.001), a junctional rhythm state (p < 0.001) and permanent pacemaker insertion for sick sinus syndrome (SSS) (p = 0.03) were significantly more common in AFMR than DMR. On postoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), the pulmonary artery systolic pressure was significantly less decreased in the AFMR group than in the DMR group compared with that on preoperative TTE (p = 0.04).ConclusionsAFMR showed excellent mitral valve surgery outcomes, similar to DMR, but had a significantly higher risk of pacemaker insertion for SSS after the maze procedure.

The factor related to the outcome of maze procedure in mitral valve replacement surgery

Objective: To evaluate the factors related to the outcome of Maze surgery to remove atrial fibrillation in mitral valve replacement surgery at Hanoi Heart Hospital.&#x0D; Methods: Study on all patients with simple mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation who were assigned to have mitral valve replacement surgery with Maze IV surgery from 01/2022 to 07/2023. Retrospective and prospective, non-controlled studies.&#x0D; Results: 51 patients (17 men, 34 women, mean age 55.22 ± 9.13) were eligible to participate in the study. The rate of sinus rhythm restoration at the time of discharge - 3 months - 6 months after surgery was 56.9% - 90.2% - 94.1%, respectively. Preoperative echocardiographic parameters have no predictive value in predicting the likelihood of sinus rhythm re-establishment, while postoperative parameters have high prognostic value. Using ROC curve analysis, we provide cut-off thresholds with predictive value: postoperative left atrial diameter &lt; 42.5 mm (AUC = 0.798, sensitivity 75%, specificity) 63.8%, p=0.05), LA diameter at 6 months follow-up &lt; 45.5 mm (AUC = 0.929, sensitivity 75%, specificity 88.6%, p &lt; 0.01), left atrial volume index (LAVi) re-examination at 6 months &lt;62 ml/m2 (AUC = 0.827, sensitivity 75%, specificity 84.6%, p&lt;0.05), LAVi re-examination at 6 months &lt;60.5 ml/m2 (AUC = 0.867, sensitivity 67%, specificity 91.4%, p&lt;0.05) increased the success rate of sinus cardioversion.&#x0D; Conclusion: Maze surgery has a high success rate in patients who are indicated for mitral valve replacement surgery. Using ROC curve analysis, the parameters on echocardiography at 6 months after surgery: LA diameter &lt; 45.5 mm, LAVi &lt; 60.5 ml/m2 are factors that increase the success rate of ablation of atrial fibrillation and sinus cardioversion.

Features of sinus rhythm restoration in patients with paroxysmal and persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation and previous COVID-19 infection in iron-deficiency anaemia

Background. Currently, there are conclusive data in the literature on the effect of reduced haemoglobin concentration on sinus rhythm restoration in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. It is relevant to study the features of rhythm restoration in patients with anaemia and atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 infection.&#x0D; Aim. To study the effects of iron-deficiency anaemia on sinus rhythm restoration rate and the dose of amiodarone required for this in patients with paroxysmal and persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation and previous COVID-19 infection.&#x0D; Material and methods. The study included 63 patients aged between 53 and 94 years (mean age 60.810.9 years): 26 men (41.3%) and 37 women (58.7%). The patients were divided into groups according to the presence of anaemia and computed tomography staging (CT severity score) of lung damage. Criteria for inclusion: paroxysmal or persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation; previous COVID-infection (according to the documents, medical records). We took into account medical histories, laboratory and instrumental findings, as well as treatment. The statistical analysis was performed by using the Statistica 13.3 software. The obtained data were presented as M or Me [Q1; Q3]. The differences between the indicators were assessed using Students t test, the MannWhitney U test and the KruskalWallis H test. Nominal variables were compared by using Pearsons 2 test with Yates correction or Fishers criterion. The relationship between the parameters was assessed using the Pearsons or Spearmans correlation coefficient. A p 0.05 was considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results. The patients with normal haemoglobin concentration restored sinus rhythm for 10 [4; 13] hours and the patients with iron-deficiency anaemia for 5.5 [2; 10] hours (p=0.044). In patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, we found a direct correlation between the degree of lung damage and the dose of amiodarone (r=0.33, p 0.05), as well as the time of sinus rhythm restoration (r=0.48, p 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion. The presence of iron-deficiency anaemia in patients with previous COVID-19 infection and paroxysmal and persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a shorter time and a lower dose of amiodarone required for successful sinus rhythm restoration in comparison to patients with normal haemoglobin concentration; in patients with more severe lung damage caused by COVID-19 pneumonia, it takes more time and a large dose of amiodarone for sinus rhythm restoration.

Impact of maze procedure in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation and persistent atrial fibrillation

ObjectivePatients with severe tricuspid regurgitation and persistent atrial fibrillation may not be good candidates for maze procedure due to preoperative atrial remodeling and various comorbidities. We attempted to evaluate the rhythm and clinical outcomes of maze procedure in these patients. MethodsPatients with severe tricuspid regurgitation and persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent tricuspid valve surgery between January 1994 and December 2017 at a single tertiary center were analyzed. The primary end point was sinus rhythm restoration. The key secondary end point was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rate, which is the composite event of stroke, cardiac death, major bleeding, and readmission for heart failure. Propensity score matching analysis was used. ResultsA total of 388 patients underwent tricuspid valve surgery, and among them 172 patients (44%) underwent concomitant maze procedure. The maze group had sinus rhythm restoration rate of 56% in 9 years. Further, in the matched cohort, the maze group had higher freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rate at 10 years than the nonmaze group (55.6% vs 36.2%; P = .047). Preoperative left atrial diameter (hazard ratio, 1.022; 95% CI, 1.012-1.033; P < .001) and right atrial diameter (hazard ratio, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.003-1.022; P = .013) were independent risk factors for failure of sinus rhythm. ConclusionsMaze procedure in severe tricuspid regurgitation and persistent atrial fibrillation had acceptable rates of sinus rhythm restoration and reduced major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the long-term. Careful patient selection considering preoperative atrial diameters is needed to enhance maze success rate and long-term clinical outcomes.

Role of Ranolazine in the Prevention and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Ranolazine has the potential to prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) and plays a role in rhythm control strategy for atrial fibrillation in various clinical settings. However, data on the use of ranolazine in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction are limited. The aims of this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials are to investigate the efficacy and safety of ranolazine in AF patients with LV systolic dysfunction. PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched until July 2020. The efficacy outcomes included the incidence of new-onset AF, the rate of sinus rhythm restoration, and the time until sinus rhythm restoration. Safety endpoints were at death, and any adverse events were reported in the enrolled studies. We initially identified 204 studies and finally retrieved 5 RCTs. Three studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis. Among AF patients with LV systolic dysfunction, our meta-analysis showed that the combination of ranolazine to amiodarone significantly increased the sinus rhythm restoration rate compared to amiodarone alone (risk ratio (RR) 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.48–3.32). Moreover, the time to sinus rhythm restoration was 2.46 h shorter in the ranolazine added to amiodarone group (95% CI: 2.27–2.64). No significant adverse events and proarrhythmias in the ranolazine group were identified. In conclusion, in AF patients with LV systolic dysfunction, ranolazine as an add-on therapy to amiodarone potentiates and accelerates the conversion of AF to sinus rhythm. Moreover, ranolazine shows good safety profiles. Further studies to investigate the effectiveness of ranolazine in the prevention of new-onset AF among patients with LV systolic dysfunction are needed.

4332Benefit of sinus rhythm restoration in acute decompensated heart failure patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia treated with landiolol

Abstract Background Atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA), such as atrial fibrillation / atrial tachycardia are frequently observed in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Because ATA leads to clinical deterioration and worsen HF, the conversion and prevention of ATA is important of ADHF with ATA. Landiolol, an ultrashort-acting intravenous beta-1 blocker, was developed and has been used for the treatment of ATA. Purpose We evaluated the acute effect of landiolol treatment on heart rate or blood pressure (BP), also the rates and benefits of sinus rhythm (SR) restoration among AHF patients with ATA treated with landiolol. Methods We studied 67 consecutive HF patients with ATA (age: 67±12 years, 36 male) treated with landiolol from 2015 to December 2017 at our University Hospital. They were compared with 50 paired subjects, matched for gender, age and baseline BP who developed HF with ATA from HIJ-HF 2 study (consisted of HF patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2014). Results At the start of landiolol treatment, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 41±14%. The median maintenance dose of landiolol was 3.0 (1.0–12.0) μ/kg/min and the median treatment duration of landiolol was 5 (1–24) days. After 6 hours from administration of landiolol, mean HR decreased significantly from 140±18 to 100±21 bpm (p&lt;0.05), whereas BP was not difference during landiolol treatment. Sinus rhythm was restored spontaneously in 15 (22%), and by electrical or pharmacological cardioversion in 5 (7%) during a treatment with intravenous landiolol. Furthermore, sinus rhythm was restored in 22 patients using additional rhythm control treatment, such as amiodarone or catheter ablation after intravenous landiolol treatement. Eight patients experienced in-hospital death. Forty-one (69%) of 59 patients discharged alive were in SR. During the follow-up period of 16±12 months, 4 patients died and 12 patients experienced rehospitalization due to worsening HF after hospital discharge. There was a significant higher rate of death or HF rehospitalization in patients without SR restoration than patients with SR restoration (44% vs. 20%, p&lt;0.05) (Figure A). Compared with 50 paired subjects from HIJ-HF 2 study, those who treated with landiolol developed a significant higher rate of SR restoration (68% vs. 20%, p&lt;0.05) (Figure B). Figure 1 Conclusion This study demonstrated that landiolol treatment was effective for both rate control and conversion to sinus rhythm in ADHF patient with ATA. We should consider that the benefits of rhythm control in ADHF patients with ATA during and after landiolol treatment.

Remote ischaemic preconditioning ameliorates sinus rhythm restoration rate through Cox maze radiofrequency procedure associated with inflammation reaction reduction.

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) as adjuvant to selective heart surgery attenuates cardiac injury and atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence. We investigated its effect on sinus rhythm (SR) restoration rate in permanent AF patients undergoing Cox maze (CM) radiofrequency ablation with concomitant mitral valve surgery. From May 2013 to May 2017, 206 patients with rheumatic valve disease concomitant with permanent AF were randomized to receive prosthesis valve replacement and CM radiofrequency ablation procedure with (n = 104) or without (n = 102) RIPC (intermittent arm ischaemia through three cycles of 5-min inflation, followed by 5-min deflation of a blood pressure cuff). The primary end point of the study was freedom from cumulative AF without using antiarrhythmic drugs 1year after operation; the secondary end points included inflammation reaction index over 48h postoperatively and clinical outcomes. Baseline characteristics and preoperative data did not differ between groups. The SR restoration rates were significantly higher in the RIPC group, 85.6%, 83.7%, and 82.7%, than those in the control group, 72.5%, 70.6%, and 69.6%, at discharge, 6months and 12months, respectively, after the radiofrequency ablation procedure (P < 0.05). The serum concentration of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were significantly decreased at 12h, 24h, and 48h postoperatively in the RIPC group compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). RIPC induced by brief ischaemia and reperfusion of the arm ameliorated SR restoration rate in patients with permanent AF through CM radiofrequency ablation procedure and was associated with reduction of postoperative systemic inflammation reaction index.

A Modified Atrial Volume Reduction Technique for a Giant Left Atrium

We describe a modified volume reduction technique for a giant left atrium that consists of circumferential resection of a strip of left atrial wall with the appendage, plicated pericardium replacing the posterior atrial wall, and anastomoses of the remaining right side free wall to the interatrial septum instead of the interatrial groove. Our initial application showed that this technique can safely reduce a giant left atrium to the desired volume and obtain a high rate of sinus rhythm restoration after a maze operation.

Sutureless aortic valve replacement with concomitant valvular surgery

ObjectivesSutureless aortic valve replacement (SU-AVR) is an alternative technique to standard aortic valve replacement. We evaluated our experience with the Perceval SU-AVR with concomitant mitral valve surgery, with or without tricuspid valve surgery, and aimed to discuss the technical considerations. MethodsFrom January 2013 through June 2016, 30 patients with concomitant severe mitral valve disease, with or without tricuspid valve disease, underwent SU-AVR with the Perceval prosthesis in a single center. ResultsThe mean age was 73.0 ± 6.6 years, ranging from 63 to 86 years, and 60% (n = 18) were male. Mean logistic EuroScore of the study cohort was 9.8 ± 4.6. Concomitant procedures consisted of mitral valve repair (n = 8, 26.6%), mitral valve replacement (n = 22, 73.3%), tricuspid valve repair (n = 18, 60%), tricuspid valve replacement (n = 2, 6.6%), and cryoablation for atrial fibrillation (n = 21, 70%). Median prosthesis size was 25 mm (large size). At 1 year, there were 2 deaths from noncardiac causes. One patient (3.3%) had third-degree atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation. Three patients (10%) had intraoperative supra-annular malpositioning of the aortic prosthesis, which was safely removed and reimplanted in all cases. Mean follow-up was 18 ± 4.5 for months (maximum 3 years). During the postoperative period, sinus rhythm restoration rate in patients who underwent the cryo-maze procedure was 76.1% (n = 16) at discharge. There was no structural valve deterioration or migration of the prosthesis at follow-up. ConclusionsPerceval SU-AVR is a technically feasible and safe procedure in patients with severe aortic stenosis with good results even in the presence of multivalvular disease and atrial fibrillation surgery.

Early and long-term outcomes and quality of life after concomitant mitral valve surgery, left atrial size reduction, and radiofrequency surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Objective:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most formidable supraventricular tachyarrhythmia, which worsens the natural course of mitral valve disease. In this study, we evaluated early and long-term results and quality of life (QOL) after simultaneous surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of AF, left atrial reduction and mitral valve repair or replacement.Methods:Overall, 147 patients with mitral valve diseases who underwent mitral valve surgery were included in this prospective cohort study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of operation: the study group—patients after mitral valve surgery with concomitant radiofrequency surgical ablation and left atrial reduction procedure (54 patients), and the control group—patients undergoing only mitral valve surgery (93 cases). We assessed AF recurrence and sinus rhythm restoration rates and mortality rates, QOL measures, postoperative complications rates, and left atrial size during follow-up.Results:In the study group, sinus rhythm restoration rate in the early postoperative period was 63%, but at the time of discharge it reduced to 29%; after 6 months, it significantly increased to 72% and after 3 years, to 81% (p=0.02). In the control group, the sinus rhythm restored only in 14% after 1 year, and at 3 years, it was 22%, although in the early postoperative period it, was 43%. Analysis of left atrial size before and after surgery showed that dimension significantly reduced in both groups (study group, p=0.013; control group, p=0.024). In addition, in patients undergoing surgical RFA procedure, there was a significant association between shorter heart disease history (p=0.02) and shorter AF history (p=0.074) with maintenance of sinus rhythm. The mortality rate in the study group was 4% (two patients) and in the control group 5% (five patients). Comparison of QOL measures between study and control groups after 1 year showed that patients undergoing concomitant atrial reduction surgery and RFA had significant improvement of QOL physical (p=0.03) and role (p=0.03) functioning, heartbeat (p=0.01), general (p=0.03) and mental health (p=0.01), vitality (p=0.007), and social role (p=0.02) functioning measures as compared to preoperative state, being higher than in patients who underwent only mitral valve surgery.Conclusion:Application of surgical RFA using irrigated cooling electrode and atrial reduction during mitral valve surgery is associated with higher restoration and maintenance of SR as compared to patients undergoing only mitral valve surgery. We did not observe complications related to AF surgery that required permanent pacemaker implantation. Performing concomitant surgery as surgical RFA, atrial reduction along with mitral valve surgery, improves QOL in the short- and long-term and reduces the feeling of heartbeat and discomfort. (Anatol J Cardiol 2016; 16: 797-803)

Efficiency of radiofrequency ablation for surgical treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation in rheumatic valvular disease

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether concomitant radiofrequency ablation procedure in valvular surgery could offer additional benefits to patients with rheumatic valvular disease. We designed a prospective and randomized control study to evaluate the efficacy of surgical radiofrequency ablation in patients with rheumatic heart disease. MethodsFrom June 2008 to July 2011, 210 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and rheumatic heart disease were randomized: (1) control group, patients underwent only valve replacement followed by amiodarone for rhythm control, (2) left atrial group (LA group), patients underwent valve replacement and left atrial mono-polar radiofrequency ablation, (3) bi-atrial group (BA group), patients underwent valve replacement and bi-atrial mono-polar radiofrequency ablation. The primary endpoints included: cardiac death, stroke, and recurrent AF after discharge. ResultsThere was no perioperative death. One patient died 4months after MVR in BA group. In univariate Cox analysis, the two ablation groups were associated with less AF (BA group vs control group: P<0.001; LA group vs control group: P<0.001) as well as atrial tachycardia arrhythmia (AF/AT/AFL) recurrent (BA group vs control group: P<0.001; LA group vs control group: P=0.02). The comparison between BA and LA groups revealed no differences in terms of AF (P=0.06) or AF/AT/AFL (P=0.09). Atrial transport function restoration rate 12months after operation was 31.4% in LA group, 32.9% in BA group, and 8.6% in control group respectively (P<0.01). ConclusionsRadiofrequency ablation concurring with valvular surgery can bring a higher sinus rhythm restoration rate when compared with medical anti-arrhythmic drug therapy in low-medium risk rheumatic heart disease.The trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (registry number NCT01013688).

Comparison of the Outcomes of Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation in Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

To compare the therapeutic effects and safety of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation used during cardiac surgery to treat atrial fibrillation. We retrospectively studied a total of 81 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who underwent open cardiac surgery with concomitant RF ablation between January 2007 and March 2011. Fifty-eight patients received bipolar RF ablation and 23 received monopolar RF ablation, respectively. The sinus rhythm restoration rate, the procedural duration, the frequency of severe perioperative complications, and mortality were compared between the two groups. The sinus rhythm restoration rate did not differ significantly between the two groups after follow-up of 15.1 ± 12.6 months (P=0.199). The frequencies of severe perioperative complications and mortality were also similar in the two groups. The total procedural time using bipolar RF ablation was significantly shorter than that using monopolar ablation (19.7 ± 4.6 minutes vs. 28.1 ± 8.5 minutes, P< 0.001). Both monopolar and bipolar RF ablation are safe and effective in treating chronic atrial fibrillation patients during open cardiac surgery, but bipolar RF ablation is more convenient in practice.

Impact of Concomitant Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement

The clinical benefit of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation at the time of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is uncertain. A total of 124 patients with AF who underwent AVR with (n=50) or without (n=74) a concomitant maze procedure, between 2000 and 2011, were evaluated. There were no significant differences in early postoperative outcomes. During a median clinical follow-up of 18.1 months (interquartile range: 6.9-47.8 months), 19 late deaths (15.3%) and 33 valve-related complications (26.6%) occurred, but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Major event-free survival at 5 years was 60.9±9.9% vs. 57.0±10.3% (P=0.41). After adjustment, the maze group demonstrated similar risks for major adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-2.49; P=0.67). However, the rate of sinus rhythm restoration at 4 years was significantly higher in the maze group (80.6% vs. 3.6%, P<0.001). Left atrial dimension was smaller (46.9 vs. 50.4mm, P=0.017), and the ejection fraction was higher (60.6% vs. 58.0%, P=0.059) in the maze group. The rate of postoperative anticoagulation was also lower in the maze group (53.1% vs. 89.2%, P<0.001). Concomitant AF ablation in patients undergoing AVR resulted in increased sinus rhythm restoration, better echocardiographic results, and decreased anticoagulation requirement, without increasing surgical morbidity or mortality.

Evaluation of Early and Intermediate Outcomes of Cryo-MazeProcedure for Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in patients with mitral valve disease affecting 50% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery, contributing to increased risks of systemic embolization, anticoagulant- related hemorrhage and mortality. The maze procedure is an effective way to treat AF. Over the last several years, cryoablation was substituted for atrial incision in many reports to simplify the maze procedure. However, few studies have been carried out to evaluate the results of cryoablation surgery. In the present study we evaluated the results of this procedure. In this cross sectional study, 47 AF patients were treated with Cryo-Maze surgery method. Rhythm assessment using electrocardiographic and echocardiographic survey was performed in all patients before surgery, during the patients' hospital stay, on discharge and after six months. Survival rate of the studied patients at six months was 93.6%. Sinus rhythm restoration rate in Cryo-Maze patients was 72.1% on discharge and 76.7% six months after their operation. The present study revealed that Cryo-Maze procedure is an effective and safe therapeutic modality in AF while normal sinus rhythm can be achieved in patients following this intervention.

Circumferential Left Atrium Resection for Treating a Giant Left Atrium

An enlarged left atrium (LA) is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after a maze operation. Between 2000 and 2009, 35 patients underwent circumferential left atrium resection (CLAR), during mitral valve surgery. All patients had continuous AF. Hospital mortalities occurred in two patients (5.7%). Postoperative bleeding occurred in two patients (5.7%). The average follow-up was 64 months. The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class had significantly decreased to 1.16 ± 0.37 from 2.77 ± 0.65 (p < 0.01). The mean LA dimension and the cardiothoracic ratio had significantly decreased to 52.8 ± 7.9 mm, and 0.55 ± 0.06 from 72.6 ± 11.0 mm, and 0.66 ± 0.11, respectively (p < 0.01). The mean early postoperative LA volume had decreased to 178 ± 68 mL (102-343 mL) from 332 ± 133 mL (124-655 mL) (p < 0.001). These LA volume reductions had been maintained until the last echocardiogram, which was done at an average of 29 months. In patients who underwent the maze procedure, the rate of sinus rhythm restoration was 82.1%, 81.5%, and 74% at three to six months, one year, and the last visit, respectively. CLAR significantly reduced the LA volume. CLAR had an additional beneficial effect with the maze procedure of a relative rate of sinus rhythm restoration. To clarify the role of CLAR in marked symptom improvements after mitral valve surgery in patients with a giant LA, well-designed comparative studies are required.

Long-term outcome of modified maze procedure combined with mitral valve surgery: Analysis of outcomes according to type of mitral valve surgery

Efficacy of the maze procedure for atrial fibrillation associated with advanced mitral disease not amenable to repair has not been determined. This study investigated whether type of mitral surgery affects maze outcome. From January 1999 to January 2007, a total of 435 patients underwent the maze procedure and concomitant mitral operation. Of these, 226 underwent mitral repair and 209 underwent mitral replacement. Median follow-up was 40.6 months (0.4-111.3 months), with 25 deaths and 6 strokes. Nineteen patients did not regain normal sinus rhythm. There were no significant intergroup differences in survival, stroke incidence, or sinus rhythm restoration rate. Among 427 early survivors, 64 had late atrial fibrillation recurrence. Five-year atrial fibrillation-free rates were 80.9% + or - 3.7% in the repair group and 77.3% + or - 4.1% in the replacement group (P = .099). By multivariate analysis, age at surgery older than 60 years (P = .045), fine atrial fibrillation wave pattern (P = .033), and preoperative left atrial dimension greater than 60 mm (P = .019) were independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence, whereas type of mitral surgery was not (P = .573). Although transmitral A-wave prevalence did not differ significantly between groups beyond the early postoperative period, A-wave velocity was faster in the repair group through the entire postoperative period (P < .001). Maze outcomes were acceptable regardless of type of mitral surgery. Late atrial fibrillation recurrence was mainly affected by age, unfavorable electrocardiographic characteristics of atrial fibrillation, and larger preoperative left atrial size.

Left Atrial Radiofrequency Ablation During Mitral Valve Surgery for Continuous Atrial Fibrillation

Although left atrial radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is increasingly used for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation during mitral valve surgery, its efficacy to restore sinus rhythm and any resulting benefits have not been examined in the context of an adequately powered randomized trial. To determine whether intraoperative RFA of the left atrium increases the long-term restoration of sinus rhythm and improves exercise capacity. Randomized, double-blind trial performed in a single UK tertiary referral center with enrollment between December 2001 and November 2003. A total of 101 patients referred for mitral valve surgery with at least 6 months' history of uninterrupted atrial fibrillation were assessed for eligibility; 97 were enrolled. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo mitral valve surgery and RFA of the left atrium (n = 49) or mitral valve surgery alone (controls; n = 48). The primary outcome measure was presence of sinus rhythm at 12 months; secondary measures were patient functional status and exercise capacity (assessed by shuttle-walk test), left atrial contractility, and left atrial and left ventricular dimension and function and plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide. At 12 months, sinus rhythm was present in 20 (44.4%) of 45 RFA patients and in 2 (4.5%) of 44 controls (rate ratio, 9.8; 95% CI, 2.4-86.3; P<.001). Restoration of sinus rhythm in the RFA group was accompanied by a greater improvement in mean (SD) shuttle-walk distance compared with controls (+94 [102] m vs +48 [82] m; P = .003) and a greater reduction in the plasma level of B-type natriuretic peptide (-104 [87] fmol/mL vs -51 [82] fmol/mL; P = .03). Patients randomized to receive RFA had similar rates of postoperative complications and deaths as control patients. Radiofrequency ablation of the left atrium during mitral valve surgery for continuous atrial fibrillation significantly increases the rate of sinus rhythm restoration 1 year postoperatively, improving patient exercise capacity. On the basis of its efficacy and safety, routine use of RFA of the left atrium during mitral valve surgery may be justified. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00238706.

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation with a novel bipolar radiofrequency device

When used for epicardial ablation, unipolar devices do not predictably yield transmural scars. Bipolar radiofrequency proved highly effective on the animal model, but clinical experience is still initial. We describe acute electrophysiologic findings and follow-up results of epicardial ablation with a novel bipolar radiofrequency device. A bipolar ablator was used to perform a simplified left atrial lesion set in 90 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing open heart surgery. Pacing thresholds were assessed during surgery to validate 24 pulmonary vein encircling lines (12 patients). Follow-up was 100% complete. In 67 of 90 patients (84%), mitral valve disease was the main indication to surgery. Atrial fibrillation was continuous in 74 patients (82%) and intermittent in 16 patients (18%). Pacing threshold assessment showed a complete conduction block in 22 of 24 pulmonary vein couples (92%) after a single ablation and in all patients after doubling of the encircling lines. No complications related to the ablation procedure were recorded. The sinus rhythm restoration rate was 79% at 3 months, 87% at 6 months, and 89% (17/18 patients) at 1 year. Postablation organized arrhythmias consisted in right atrial flutter in 2 patients (2%) and left atrial flutter in 6 patients (7%). Epicardial ablation with bipolar radiofrequency grants acute transmurality. A simplified lesion set proved highly effective in eliminating atrial fibrillation at 1-year follow-up. Our data suggest that addition of a lesion to the mitral annulus is advisable to prevent left atrial flutter.

The Effect of Cryo-Maze Procedure on Early and Intermediate Term Outcome in Mitral Valve Disease: Case Matched Study

The maze procedure is an effective way to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with mitral valve disease. In a last several years, cryoablation was substituted for atrial incision in many reports to simplify the maze procedure. However, there has been no comparative study to delineate the feasibility of the use of cryoablation. We compared the early and intermediate-term results of the maze procedure including pulmonary venous isolation from the left atrium using cryoablation (CM) with our conventional (Kosakai) maze procedure (KM) including encircling incision around the orifices of pulmonary veins. One hundred and 10 pairs of patients were matched in the age, left atrial dimension >70 mm, duration of AF >0 years, previous cardiac surgery, mechanical valve implantation and concomitant aortic valve procedures. CM required significantly shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time (186+/-56 minute versus 214+/-47 minute, P=0.001) and aortic cross-clamp time (134+/-43 minute versus 144+/-37 minute, P=0.03) than KM with less chest tube drainage (590+/-353 mL versus 745+/-618 mL, P=0.02) for 12 hours after operation. The sinus rhythm restoration rate in CM group (85.4%) was comparable with KM group (86.4%) at discharge. In the late results, the actuarial freedom from recurrence of sustained AF at 3 years in CM group (97.7%) was not significantly (P=0.11) different from that in KM group (90.4%). The actuarial freedom from stroke at 3 years in CM group was 99.0%. The modification of the maze procedure including cryoablation for pulmonary venous isolation provided less aortic cross-clamp time and less amount of chest tube drainage with the comparable recovery and maintenance of sinus rhythm with KM. CM is a reliable and less invasive surgical option for the AF associated with mitral valve disease.