Odabaşı, Dolunay Yüzüncü Yil University - School of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Özcan, Sedat Rize University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Başel, Halil Van Medical Park Hospital - Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic, Turkey , Ekim, Hasan Yüzüncü Yil University - School of Medicine - Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Turkey , Aydın, Cemalettin

The efficiency of radiofrequency ablation therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation during concomitant mitral valve surgery; short and midterm results

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Aim. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of intraoperative endocardial Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) treatment at short and mid-term in patients with mitral valve disorders and chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) during mitral valve operation in the light of the literature. Methods. Between June 2004 and April 2009, 25 patients with mitral valve diseases associated with chronic atrial fibrillation underwent valve replacement and endocardial RFA with Medtronic cardioblade ablation pen at our clinic. There were 12 (%48) male and 13 (%52) female patients ranging in age from 23 to 67 years, with a mean age of 43.2 ± 10.6 years. The functional capacity of the patients were Class II in 6 (%24), Class III in 16 (%64), Class IV in 3 (%12) according the NYHA functional classification. At the preoperative period all patients were evaluated by 12 lead electrocardiography (ECG) and transthorasic echocardiography (TTE). For the patients over 40 years old, coronary angiography was performed to rule out concomitant coranary artery disease. The patients were evaluated at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th months and annually by 12 lead ECG, TTE and as needed Holter monitarization after discharging. Results. There was not any complication related with the ablation technique. There were no operative or early postoperative deaths (within 30 days). Thirteen patients reverted to sinus rhythm postoperatively. But SVT was seen in 3 patients, and they were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs. The remaining 9 patients were in AF. The mean follow up period is 9 months. During the follow up period, 16 patients were noted to be in normal sinus rhythm. Conclusion. RFA can be a useful and efficient technique for restoring normal sinus rhythm and atrial functions after mitral valve surgery performed in patients who have mitral valve disease associated with chronic atrial fibrillation. But further studies with larger number of patients are needed to confirm our results.

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Radiofrequency catheter ablation , atrial fibrillation , mitral valve

Cumhuriyet Medical Journal

323