Long-term follow-up of thoracoscopic ablation in long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Catheter ablation of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) remains challenging, with suboptimal success rates obtained following multiple procedures. Thoracoscopic ablation has shown effective at creating transmural lesions around the pulmonary veins and box; however, long-term rhythm follow-up data are lacking. This study aims, for the first time, to assess the long-term outcomes of thoracoscopic pulmonary vein and box ablation in LSPAF.

Methods

Rhythm follow-up consisted of continuous rhythm monitoring using implanted loop recorders or 24-h Holter recordings. Rhythm status and touch-up interventions were assessed up to 5 years.

Results

Seventy-seven patients with symptomatic LSPAF underwent thoracoscopic ablation in 2 centres. Freedom from

SUBMITTER: Harlaar N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9159446 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature