Frith Coolbear1, Ian G Crozier. 1. Department of Cardiology, Christchurch Hospital, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Abstract
AIMS: To report the long-term results following surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation as an adjunct to other cardiac surgery at Christchurch Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective observational audit review of outcomes. The sample population included all patients identified as having undergone surgical RFA for atrial fibrillation at Christchurch Hospital, between the first procedure performed on 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients underwent surgical RFA between 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009. Postoperatively there were three deaths prior to discharge (7%). Pacemakers were required in four patients (9%), and two patients subsequently underwent catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. In the immediate postoperative period only three patients remained in atrial fibrillation. At last follow-up up to 102 months from surgery (45 plus or minus 29 months), 27 patients had developed persistent atrial fibrillation and four persistent atrial flutter. Persisting long-term benefit was seen in seven patients (18%, 7/38); five patients were in stable sinus rhythm, one had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and one paroxysmal atrial flutter. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the procedure was effectively acutely, the recurrence of atrial fibrillation was high and development of new atrial flutter common over long-term follow-up.
AIMS: To report the long-term results following surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation as an adjunct to other cardiac surgery at Christchurch Hospital. METHODS: A retrospective observational audit review of outcomes. The sample population included all patients identified as having undergone surgical RFA for atrial fibrillation at Christchurch Hospital, between the first procedure performed on 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients underwent surgical RFA between 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009. Postoperatively there were three deaths prior to discharge (7%). Pacemakers were required in four patients (9%), and two patients subsequently underwent catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. In the immediate postoperative period only three patients remained in atrial fibrillation. At last follow-up up to 102 months from surgery (45 plus or minus 29 months), 27 patients had developed persistent atrial fibrillation and four persistent atrial flutter. Persisting long-term benefit was seen in seven patients (18%, 7/38); five patients were in stable sinus rhythm, one had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and one paroxysmal atrial flutter. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the procedure was effectively acutely, the recurrence of atrial fibrillation was high and development of new atrial flutter common over long-term follow-up.