Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrilation Techniques and Outcomes

Abstract

Many patients with mitral valve disease have concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) which results in a variety of morbidities including hemodynamic compromise, syncope, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, chest pain and an increased probability of a thromboembolic event. At the time of mitral valve surgery the incidence of concomitant AF can reach up to 50%. Mitral valve surgery alone usually does not abolish AF and the persistence of AF after surgery increases postoperative morbidity and mortality hence he need for an additional intervention to target the AF itself.