A new approach to determine the results of minimally invasive pulmonary vein isolation using a continuous loop monitor: preliminary results.

Objectives: Surgical ablation is a well-known treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, little is known about the absolute success rate. The aim of this study is to compare the absolute pre- and postoperative incidence of AF after minimally invasive surgical ablation for paroxysmal AF.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (mean age 55 ± 8; 55% male) received a continuous loop monitor (CLM) 4 weeks prior to a minimally invasive pulmonary vein isolation (MIPVI).