Abstract

FRANCO, Sergio et al. Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation through irrigated ablation with monopolar radiofrequency: results to short and midterm. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.1, pp.43-55. ISSN 0120-5633.

There is not any publication about the use of this technique with midterm follow-up in Colombia. Objective: to evaluate the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation with the use of irrigated monopolar radiofrequency to short and midterm, through clinical follow-up, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. Methods: 70 patients with diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and some other heart pathology that required surgery were evaluated between September 2003 and October 2005, in a prospective way. An ablation though monopolar radiofrequency (Cardioblate® Medtronic, Inc) was performed. Results were analyzed with the SPSS version 11, 0 statistical package. Results: 70 patients, 52% females and 48% males with mean age 54 years and preoperatory ejection fraction of 47% had mitral insufficiency (49%) and mitral stenosis (26%) as their main cause for primary heart surgery. 87% patients were evaluated at 18 months (3 to 25 months). Sinus rhythm was achieved in 88%. Residual arrhythmias in this group were atrial fibrillation (6%) and atrial flutter (6%). 80% of post-operatory arrhythmias were found in the first 15 days after surgery, being atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter the most common ones. Anticoagulation and anti-arrhythmic medication was suspended in 89% and 90% of the patients, respectively. The surgical technique had no inherent complications. Conclusions: this investigation demonstrated that the surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation with irrigated monopolar radiofrequency is easily reproducible, highly effective and safe for the patient.

Keywords : atrial fibrillation; radiofrequency; monopolar ablation; sinus rhythm.

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