Intraoperative microwave ablation in patients undergoing valvular surgery: midterm results.

Aim Of The Study: To assess the safety and efficacy of intraoperative microwave ablation to restore sinus rhythm and systolic atrial function in patients undergoing valvular surgery.

Methods: Forty-one patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent operations. The mean age was 61 years (range, 45- 76 years). AF was permanent in 30 patients and paroxysmal in 11. Associated cardiac procedures were mitral valve repair in 10 patients, mitral valve replacement in 12, and mitro-aortic valve replacement in 19. The microwave procedure (FLEX, AFx inc.) was performed to create an endocardial bilateral encircling isolation of the ostia of the pulmonary veins.

Results: There was no hospital mortality or morbidity. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 months. At follow-up, sinus rhythm was found in 34 patients (82.9%). Echocardiography results at follow-up showed no major or minor left atrial thrombosis and only a mild impairment of the systolic left atrial function.

Conclusion: Intraoperative microwave ablation is a safe and effective treatment to restore sinus rhythm and a mildly impaired left atrial function in patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery.