The outcome and indications of the Cox maze III procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation with mitral valve disease

Objective: The efficacy of the Cox maze III procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease is unclear, and so was evaluated in this study. Methods: In 30 patients, we applied the maze III procedure (cut and suture), except for one modification in the case of a left posterior sinus node artery, After dividing the patients into sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation groups more than 6 months after the operation, we compared various parameters. Results: Sinus rhythm was restored in 27 patients (90%). One patient had atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia and needed a pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome (3.3%). The f-wave voltage in lead V-I, the preoperative cardiotharacic ratio, the preoperative left atrial systolic dimension, and the duration of atrial fibrillation were 0.23 +/- 0.10 mV, 60.4% +/- 5.2%, 57.4 +/- 8.2 mm, respectively, and 5.1 +/- 4.6 years in the group with sinus rhythm, and were 0.06 +/- 0.05 mV, 77.7% +/- 10.3%, 95.3 +/- 24.0 mm, respectively, and 11.8 +/- 5.5 years in the group with atrial fibrillation. These parameters were all significantly different between the groups. Regarding atrial function, a transmitral how A wave was detected in 65.7% and a transtricuspid flow A wave in 100%. Only the duration of atrial fibrillation had a significant influence on the restoration of left atrial function. Conclusion: The maze III procedure was effective for atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. This procedure should be applied to patients with a cardiothoracic ratio less than 70% and a left atrial systolic dimension less than 80 mm.