Clinical experience of bipolar radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation under open heart surgery for organic heart disease

AIM:To discuss the methods and results of bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) under open heart surgery for organic heart disease (OHD) so as to improve the therapy for this disease. METHODS: Clinical data of 57 patients with OHD and AF who underwent open heart surgery with concomitant bipolar RFA from August 2009 to May 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative data were collected at the time of discharge and at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. RESULTS: All operations were successful. Cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic clamp and RFA were (150±37), (126±36) and (24±4) min, respectively. Normal sinus rhythm was achieved in 46 (79%) at the end of operation and in 45 (78%) patients at discharge, and in 41 (71%), 40 (69%) and 42 (72%) patients at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. There were no RFArelated hospital mortalities and no complications. No patients required permanent pacemakers. Risk factors for ablation failure included longer duration of AF and larger left atrial diameter. CONCLUSION: RFA is a safe, easy and effective treatment for OHD patients with AF, with lower complication rates and high rates of restoring sinus rhythm.