Electrosurgical treatment of atrial fibrillation with a new intraoperative radiofrequency ablation catheter

Background: To assess the efficacy of a new catheter for intraoperative radiofrequency ablation. Methods: We operated 35 mitral patients with atrial fibrillation of which 27 had chronic atrial fibrillation with a mean duration of 8 +/- 6 years. Most patients were in functional class III or IV. All patients were operated under cardiopulmonary bypass using sternotomy in 29 patients, Fight thoracotomy in 5 and left thoracotomy in 1. Results: Bilateral pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency catheter ablation was achieved in 7 +/- 4 minutes. There was no mortality or morbidity. Out of the 27 patients with one to three months follow-up 60% were out of atrial fibrillation and 48% had both atria contracting (scores 3 and 4). A longer time is required to assess the end result of these techniques, because the complete healing of the ablation lesions takes 3 to 6 months. Conclusions: We conclude that with appropriate tools and settings the use of intraoperative radiofrequency catheter ablation is fast, safe and effective. Its indications can be extended to other types of atrial fibrillation patients.