Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
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J. Cardiovasc. Electrophysiol. · Jan 2016
Repeat Procedures After Hybrid Thoracoscopic Ablation in the Setting of Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological Findings and 2-Year Clinical Outcome.
In order to increase success rates of invasive treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation, the hybrid approach was developed, combining video-assisted thoracoscopic epicardial procedure with conventional endocardial catheter ablation. Currently, there are no reports of electrophysiological findings and clinical outcomes of repeat procedures after the hybrid approach. ⋯ Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation results in durable lesions and high rates of chronic pulmonary vein isolation even after long-term follow-up. Most of the repeat procedures after the hybrid approach are related to left atrial flutters that could be successfully treated by catheter ablation.