RESTORATION OF SINUS RHYTHM IN CHRONIC AF PATIENTS UNDERGOING MITRAL VALVE SURGERY
Mahmoud H Mazen1, Waleed Abbass1, Mohamed El Asheri1, Amr Elprince1, Hussin Nofal1, Amal Sulam2, Azza Hosny3 Departments of 1Cardiac Surgery, 2Cardiology, and 3Anesthesia, National Heart Institute
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained rhythm disturbance. AF is associated with a number of predisposing cardiovascular disorders. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by rapid and irregular activation of the atria, leading to loss of normal sinus rhythm. Because of the loss of effective atrial contraction, stasis of blood in the atria predisposes affected patients to thromboembolism. Aim of the study: We aimed through this study to assess the rationale for surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency energy in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery, and to emphasize its efficacy and feasibility in restoring sinus rhythm in these patients. Patients and Methods: This study will be conducted at the National Heart Institute to assess the results of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation using radiofrequency energy in patients undergoing mitral valve disease referred for mitral valve surgery ± tricuspid valve repair and persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Results: Sinus rhythm was maintained in twenty six patients (65%). Six months later there were twenty five patients (62.5%) maintained sinus rhythm. Conclusion: Circumferential isolation of each PV in patients with chronic AF undergoing mitral valve surgery is a feasible, safe, and effective procedure in restoring SR at an average follow-up period of 6 months. Atrial contractility was restored in all patients with SR.
December 2014