European multicentre experience of staged hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation for the treatment of persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: The management of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. We examined the efficacy and safety of the 2 stage Hybrid AF ablation approach by analysing the largest series of this technique reported so far.

Methods

The approach aims to electrically isolate the left atrial posterior wall incorporating the pulmonary veins ('box-set'pattern). An initial video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) epicardial ablation is followed after a minimum of 8 weeks by endocardial radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Results

Of 175 patients from 4 European cardiothoracic centers, who underwent the surgical (COBRA Fusion, AtriCure Inc) 1st stage ablation, 166 went on to complete 2nd stage catheter ablation. At median follow up of 18 months post 2nd stage procedure 93/166 (56%) had r

SUBMITTER: Haywood GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7046539 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature