Minimally invasive surgical atrial fibrillation ablation: patient selection and results

Heart Rhythm. 2009 Dec;6(12 Suppl):S71-6. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2009.07.027. Epub 2009 Oct 24.

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgical atrial fibrillation ablation (MISAA) is an emerging alternative to catheter ablation and the full surgical maze procedure for nonpharmacologic treatment of atrial fibrillation. MISAA offers the potential to provide highly effective pulmonary vein isolation, exclusion of the left atrial appendage, and extensive ablation of the ganglionic plexuses and the ligament of Marshall in a single procedure. We review the safety and efficacy of MISAA, discuss considerations for optimal patient selection for MISAA, and review the advantages/disadvantages of MISAA compared with catheter ablation and the maze procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atrial Appendage / physiopathology
  • Atrial Appendage / surgery
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / classification
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / diagnosis
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / physiopathology
  • Atrial Fibrillation* / surgery
  • Catheter Ablation* / adverse effects
  • Catheter Ablation* / methods
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Autonomic / physiopathology
  • Ganglia, Autonomic / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Patient Selection*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Pulmonary Veins / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Veins / surgery
  • Recurrence
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Treatment Outcome