Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Energy Sources

Abstract

Surgical ablation, concomitant with other operations, is an option for treatment in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). The aim of this study is to present literature review on surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery considering energy sources and return to sinus rhythm. Comprehensive survey was performed in the literature on surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation considering energy sources, sample size, study type, outcome (early and late) and return to sinus rhythm. Analyzing studies with immediate results (5), the percentage of return to sinus rhythm ranged 73-96%, while in those of long-term results (20) (from 12 months) the range was from 62 to 97.7%. In both, there was consequent clinical improvement of patients who underwent ablation, regardless of the energy source used. Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation is essential in the treatment of this arrhythmia. With current technology, it may be minimally invasive, making it mandatory to perform some procedure in an attempt to revert to sinus rhythm in patients requiring heart surgery.