Efficacy of saline-irrigated radiofrequency maze procedure for permanent atrial fibrillation

AIM:To analyze the efficacy of salineirrigated radiofrequency maze procedure for permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Five hundred and two patients treated by saline-irrigated radiofrequency maze procedure for permanent AF from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012 in our hospital were divided into two groups according to the different surgical procedures: 406 cases with valvular replacement and 96 cases without valvular replacement during saline-irrigated radiofrequency maze procedure. Size of the left atrium, size of the left ventricle and maintenance of sinus rhythm were observed by cardio.and electrocardiogram examination in all patients during intraoperative cardiac resuscitation, and 1 week, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Three patients died. In two patients it was due to low cardiac output syndrome and one patient died of malignant arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation). Three hundred and fifty-eight patients (71.3%) restored sinus rhythm during intraoperative cardiac resuscitation, 376 cases (74.9%) restored sinus rhythm 1 week after surgery, 347 cases restored sinus rhythm (69.1%) 3 months after surgery and 339 cases restored sinus rhythm (69.12%) 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Saline-irrigated radiofrequency maze procedure achieves good curative effect for permanent AF.