First robotic endoscopic epicardial isolation of the pulmonary veins with microwave energy in a patient in chronic atrial fibrillation

The Surgical Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation: Ablation Technology and Surgical Approaches

“…Loulmet and colleagues first described robotic PVI using a flexible microwave probe through the left chest 42. This was extended to microwave ablation via a right mini-thoracotomy with groin cannulation on cardiopulmonary bypass 43.…”

Unilateral robotic hybrid mini‐maze: a novel experimental approach

“…Loulmet et al . were the first to use a robot to deliver microwave energy in an attempt to isolate pulmonary veins in a patient with paroxysmal AF. They used the robot for dissections and placement of a Flex 10 (Afx Inc.) around the pulmonary veins.…”

Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation A Combined Japan-US Experience

“…As a result, since Saltman et al 9 first reported a thoracoscopic approach to microwave ablation for AF in 2003, minimally invasive techniques using thoracoscopy and robotic surgery have become possible and widespread throughout Western countries. 7,[10][11][12][13][14][15] The thoracoscopic mini-Maze we describe is safe and effective at early follow up and is less invasive than the Cox maze procedure. This technique avoids the need for a sternotomy or rib-spreading thoracotomy and is performed on a beating heart, avoiding the need for CPB and aortic cross-clamping.…”