Microwave surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation during off-pump coronary artery surgery using total arterial-Y-grafts: an early experience.

This study demonstrates the efficacy and eligibility of concomitant epicardial microwave AF (MWAF) ablation during off-pump arterial revascularisation using the left internal mammary to radial 'Y' graft (OPCABy) in patients with permanent and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. From June 2004 to December 2005, sixteen consecutive patients were offered MWAF ablation and OPCABy. AF was permanent in 11 cases and paroxysmal in five. The MWAF ablation protocol exploited the use of either the Flex 4 or Flex 10 probe (Afx- Guidant, Santa Clara, CA). Spontaneous cardioversion was used to demonstrate conduction block. Data were collected prospectively. Patients were followed-up in outpatient clinic at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after discharge. Sinus rhythm was seen in 75%, 67% and 71% of patients at conclusion of surgery, and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm was seen in 67% of patients with permanent AF and 80% of patients with paroxysmal AF. Spontaneous cardioversion at operation occurred in 12 patients, all of whom were in sinus rhythm at six months. The use of MWAF ablation during concomitant OPCABy surgery is an effective therapy in the short- to medium-term. Spontaneous return to sinus rhythm is a reliable intraoperative indicator of long-term success.