Modified maze during endoscopic mitral valve surgery: the OLV Clinic experience.

Background: The use of radiofrequency ablation to perform the mini-maze procedure (pulmonary veins isolation) has been reported with good results. The aim of this study was to evaluate our practice with the association of the mini-maze procedure, done with the use of the Cardioblade pen, and minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Methods: From January 1999 to November 2004, 103 patients underwent a minimally invasive mitral valve surgery with a concomitant pulmonary veins isolation (modified maze procedure) done with unipolar radiofrequency.