Abstract

MENDOZA, Sara E et al. Maze III modified with cryoablation reusable clamp vs. classic cut and suture Maze III in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and concommitant mitral valve surgery. Rev. Col. Cardiol. [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.1, pp.56-64. ISSN 0120-5633.

Introduction: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the modified Maze III surgery using a reusable cryoablation clamp compared with the classic cut and suture Maze III only in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and mitral surgery. Methods: in the period between May 1993 and April 2005, 134 patients underwent Maze surgery. 92 had permanent atrial fibrillation and previous mitral surgery. 71 patients had had the classic Maze surgery (group I) and 21 the modified Maze III with reusable cryoablation clamp. A multivariable analysis is realized in order to analyze these results. Results: mean age was 48,1 years (24 to 67 years). 24 were men and 68 were women. Mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 3,8 ± 4.3 years (standard deviation 0,5-20). Mean left atrial diameter was 57 mm (26-82 mm). No significant differences were found between the two groups. Mean ischemic time of group I was 83 minutes and that of group II was 77 minutes (p = 0,4). Post-chirurgic bleeding was of 762 cc in group I and 680 cc in group II (p = 0,6). Mortality was 5,6% in group I and 0% in group II. Sinus rhythm was recovered in 87% patients in group I and in 85,7% patients in group II. Conclusions: modified Maze III surgery with cryoablator reusable clamp is as effective as classic Maze, considered as the gold standard. We found a decrease in the ischemic time as well as in the post-chirurgic bleeding, being not statistically significant. There is a difference in mortality between the two groups. This is a safe modification and can be applied by more surgeons in any institution. In developing countries, this device can be used as an alternative energy method.

Keywords : atrial fibrillation; mitral valve surgery; ablation methds; Maze surgery.