Assessment Of Sinoatrial Node Function In Patients With Persistent And Long-Standing Persistent Forms Of Atrial Fibrillation After Maze III Procedure Combined With Mitral Valve operation.

Research Objective: Assessment of sinoatrial node function after Maze III procedure combined with a mitral valve operation.

Methods: 100 patients were included in the research with persistent and long-standing persistent forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) and need of operative treatment concerning valve disease. The following preoperative preparation methods were executed to all patients: Electrocardiogram in 12 standard assignments;Two-dimensional echocardiographic with assessment of systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle, size of the left atrium and grade of valve disease;Transesophageal echocardiography for exclusion of blood clots in the left atrium and left atrial appendage;Coronary angiography for exclusion of coronary heart disease;Computer tomography for examination of cardiac chambers and anatomic characteristics of pulmonary veins.