Rhythm course over 5 years following surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: Reporting methods for surgical ablation (SA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) were standardized by the Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines, stating that results should be reported only for the first 2 years following SA. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of SA over 5 years and determine predictors for success over that period.

Methods: Data were collected prospectively for all SA (n=787).

The effect of the Cox-maze procedure for atrial fibrillation concomitant to mitral and tricuspid valve surgery.

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with less favorable outcomes in patients undergoing mitral valve and tricuspid valve surgery. Despite growing evidence on the potential benefits of surgical ablation for AF there is significant variability among surgeons in treatment of AF. The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of the Cox-maze procedure on operative and follow-up outcomes.

The association between early atrial arrhythmia and long-term return to sinus rhythm for patients following the Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: Observational studies identified increased age, left atrial (LA) size, type and duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) as independent predictors for failure of AF surgical ablation. Rhythm at discharge following the Cox maze (CM) procedure for AF was never considered a significant predictor of success. The purposes of this study were to: (i) Determine the association of sinus rhythm (SR) at discharge and maintenance of SR.

Health-related quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and the role of gender.

Objective: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Previous studies suggest that women undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery present with a higher severity of disease and that this may be an indicator of delays in treatment preceding diagnosis thus presenting challenges for recovery. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in CABG morbidity and reported health-related quality of life (HRQL) at baseline and six months post-surgery.