Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Dec 2003
Multicenter Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialLeft atrial radiofrequency ablation during cardiac surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Intraoperative left atrial radiofrequency (RF) ablation recently has been suggested as an effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to verify the outcome of this technique in a controlled multicenter trial. ⋯ Endocardial RF left atrial compartmentalization during cardiac surgery is effective in restoring sinus rhythm in many patients. This technique is easy to perform and reproducible. Rare RF ablation-related complications can occur. During follow-up, sinus rhythm persistence is good, and biatrial contraction is preserved in most patients.