Late results of the Cox-maze IV procedure in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiac surgery do not receive concomitant ablation. This study reviewed outcomes of patients with AF undergoing Cox-maze IV (CMIV) procedure with radiofrequency and cryoablation and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our institution.

Methods: Between the introduction of radiofrequency ablation in 2002 and 2015, 135 patients underwent left- or biatrial CMIV with CABG. Patients undergoing other cardiac procedures, except mitral valve repair, or who had emergent, reoperative, or off-pump procedures were excluded. Eighty-three patients remained in the study group after exclusion criteria were applied. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) was ascertained using electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, or pacemaker interrogation at 1 to 5 years postoperatively.

Results: Operative mortality was 3%. Freedom from ATAs at 1 year in the CMIV group was 98%, with 88% off antiarrhythmia drugs. Freedom from ATAs and antiarrhythmia drugs was 70% at 5 years.

Conclusions: The addition of CMIV to CABG resulted in excellent freedom from ATAs at 1 to 5 years. These patients are at increased risk for nonfatal complications compared with others undergoing concomitant surgical ablation.