Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia. AF may occur rarely, every now and then, or it may become an ongoing or long-term heart problem that lasts for years. Maze procedure is the surgical procedure consists of creating a number of "incisions" using either surgical cutting, cryo or radiofrequency ablations in the atrium that disrupt the re-entrant circuits. During the years a conception evolved that long standing persistent AF patients are not "good" candidates for restoring sinus rhythm.
Between 1.1.13 to 1.7.14 we preformed MAZE procedure using left atrial radiofrequency ablation on 31 patients who were operated due to coronary or valvular disease. The patients were either in PAF or in long standing persistent AF. Sinus rhythm post-surgery was evaluated by EKG, holter and patient interview.
31 patients with different kinds of AF were operated. AF duration spanned from 1 - 10 years. 22 patients were followed for 3-12 months. 82% of the patients went through Maze + Mitral surgery. 78% of the patients were in long standing persistent AF. 100% of the patients returned to sinus rhythm immediately post op. 100% of the PAF patients (including 2 redo surgeries) remained in sinus rhythm 3 to 12 months following the surgery. 56% of the patients that were in long standing atrial fibrillation remained in sinus rhythm 3-12 months following the procedure. No complications associated with the MAZE procedure such as PV stenosis, pacemaker implantation etc were noted.
Atrial fibrillation is a heart disease that contributes to the M&M of the patients. In long standing AF patients undergoing open heart surgery MAZE can be performed safely and effectively.
