Midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in persistent atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to assess the midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS Between October 2006 and July 2009, 95 patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation underwent a mitral valve procedure and left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation. The postoperative data of the combined procedure were collected at the time of discharge and at one, three, six and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS Hospital mortality rate was 6.3% (six patients). Normal sinus rhythm was achieved in 77.2% of patients during the early postoperative period in hospital, and in 73.3, 72.0 and 75% of patients at three, six and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 14.02 + or - 5.71 months (range: 6-19 months). During this midterm follow-up period, nine patients had late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. No risk factor was identified for late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION Our midterm follow-up results suggest that the addition of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation to mitral valve surgery is an effective and safe procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.