Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Rheumatic Valvular Disease

Radiofrequency Ablation of Left Atrial Reentrant Tachycardias in Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease: A Case Series

“…There are little data available on RFA of atypical flutters with rheumatic MS. There are many studies focusing various aspects of AF, RFA of AF as well as surgical maze procedure in RHD. There are some data on the electrical substrate in rheumatic MS that predispose to AF .…”

Concomitant Unipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Nonparoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Rheumatic and Degenerative Valve Disease

“…The most recent study reported a rate of maintenance of SR of 60% at long‐term follow‐up (mean 54 months) for patients with longstanding AF and RHD after surgical RF ablation . The same success rate (60%) had already been reported at four‐year follow‐up …”

The Challenge of Atrial Tachycardia Management in Rheumatic Heart Disease

“…The question naturally arises whether it would be prudent to intervene with a surgical Maze at the time of mitral valve replacement. Most published experience with a concomitant Maze has involved patients who already suffer from persistent atrial fibrillation . Varied techniques have been used in the operating room, including direct incisions, radiofrequency energy, and cryosurgery.…”

“…Varied techniques have been used in the operating room, including direct incisions, radiofrequency energy, and cryosurgery. The outcomes are reasonably optimistic, with return and maintenance of sinus rhythm reported in roughly 60% of cases, and a lower risk of thromboembolic events compared to patients who did not receive a surgical Maze . However, there are lingering concerns that atrial transport function may be negatively impacted by incorporating a Maze into rheumatic mitral valve surgery, which could reduce performance of a prosthetic valve .…”

“…Most published experience with a concomitant Maze has involved patients who already suffer from persistent atrial fibrillation. 9 Varied techniques have been used in the operating room, including direct incisions, radiofrequency energy, and cryosurgery. The outcomes are reasonably optimistic, with return and maintenance of sinus rhythm reported in roughly 60% of cases, and a lower risk of thromboembolic events compared to patients who did not receive a surgical Maze.…”