Surgical Radiofrequency MAZE III Ablation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation During Open Heart Surgery

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in patients with rheumatic mitral and other valve diseases who are candidates for valve repair surgeries. Conversion of rhythm to sinus has positive effects on quality of life and lower use of medications. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the radiofrequency ablation Maze III procedure in the treatment of atrial fibrillation associated with rheumatic heart valve disease. Methods: We applied a modified Cox III Maze procedure using radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation associated with rheumatic heart valve disease and evaluated the outcome of 20 patients of atrial fibrillation associated rheumatic valve disease who underwent radiofrequency ablation Maze III procedure plus heart valve surgery. Demographic, echocardiographic, Electrocardiographic and Doppler study data were calculated before surgery, six month and one year after surgery.. Results: No perioperative deaths occurred in the study group. Duration of additional time for doing radiofrequency ablation was about 22 minutes. Freedom from atrial fibrillation was 85% and 75% at six months and one year follow-up respectively... Conclusions: The addition of the radiofrequency ablation Maze procedure to heart valve surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of atrial fibrillation associated with rheumatic heart valve disease..