Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and affects up to 60% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Restoring sinus rhythm improves symptoms, reduces stroke risk, and prevents heart failure. Despite guideline recommendations, surgical ablation remains underused. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a standardized modified left atrial Maze procedure performed concomitantly with cardiac surgery and identifies early predictors of long-term rhythm success. The procedure consists of creating left atrial lesion sets using radiofrequency, cryothermy, or both, and systematically closing the left atrial appendage to reduce thromboembolic risk. This prospective single-center observational study includes 151 patients undergoing concomitant AF ablation. Follow-up is performed at 3, 6, and 12 months with clinical evaluation, ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring, pacemaker interrogation when applicable, and a standardized quality-of-life questionnaire. The primary endpoint is sinus rhythm maintenance at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include operative mortality, neurological events, pacemaker implantation, reoperation for bleeding, and quality-of-life changes. The study aims to provide new insights into predictors of success and support standardized follow-up strategies for surgical AF ablation.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Maintenance of sinus rhythm at 12 months after modified left atrial Maze procedure, assessed by 24-hour Holter monitoring or pacemaker interrogation
Timeframe: Sinus rhythm will be assessed at 12 months post-ablation using 24-hour Holter monitoring or pacemaker interrogation. Early rhythm assessment at 3 months is also performed for monitoring purposes.