Heart and vessels
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Although the maze procedure is often performed as a surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) combined with mitral valve surgery, the long-term efficacy of the maze procedure concerning cardiac function has not been determined. The aim of this study was to assess long-term results of the maze procedure for left ventricular function in patients with persistent AF associated with mitral valve disease. We analyzed 38 patients who underwent the maze procedure for persistent AF and mitral valve surgery. ⋯ At the latest follow-up, left ventricular function tended to be better in the SR group than in the AF group. Cardiovascular events occurred more often in the AF group during follow-up (50 vs. 18%, p < 0.05). This retrospective study revealed that maintaining the sinus rhythm after the maze procedure for patients who underwent mitral valve surgery might be important for preserving better long-term left ventricular function and result in fewer cardiovascular events.