Procedure

Concomitant ablation of atrial fibrillation during mitral surgery

Division of Cardiac Surgery, S Raffaele University Hospital, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy

^* Corresponding author: ^* Tel.: +39-02-2643 7127; fax: +39-02-2643 7125. E-mail: benussi.stefano{at}hsr.it

Left atrial ablation with bipolar radiofrequency using the epicardial approach is described. After dissection of the pericardial reflections and of the Marshall fold, electrical isolation of the right and left pulmonary veins and that of the left appendage are carried out through epicardial ablation. After aortic cross clamping, through standard atriotomy, the connecting lines are then performed. The possible options for the mitral connecting ablation are discussed. At completion of the ablation procedure the base of the left appendage is sutured from inside.

Key Words: Atrial fibrillation • Bipolar radiofrequency • Cardiac surgery • Mitral valve disease • Radiofrequency ablation