Factors related to sinus rhythm at discharge after radiofrequency ablation of permanent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery

Late recovery of sinus rhythm is unusual in patients with permanent AF treated by (radiofrequency) RF maze procedure during mitral valve surgery. Identification of clinical and instrumental preoperative factors predictive of early success of RF ablation in patients with permanent AF undergoing mitral valve surgery may improve selection of subjects to obtain long-term results. Hundred and thirty consecutive patients with permanent AF and mitral valve disease underwent modified RF maze procedure during concomitant mitral valve surgery. Rheumatic valve disease (61 pts) and mitral valve prolapse (41 pts) were the more common aetiology of valve abnormalities. Mitral valve replacement was performed in 54 % of patients and mitral valve repair in the remaining 46 %. Four patients died after surgery. At discharge, 87 patients (69 %) were in sinus rhythm (group 1) and 43 patients in AF persisted (group 2). At an average 24-month follow-up, sinus rhythm was present in 67 % of patients, and 33 % were in atrial fibrillation. In this period, late recovery of sinus rhythm was observed only in five patients, while eight discharged in sinus rhythm developed again atrial fibrillation. Among preoperative parameters at univariate analysis female sex, atrial fibrillation >24 months, left atrial diameter >54 mm, left atrial area >24 cm², rheumatic valve disease and NYHA class were associated with persistence of AF. At Cox regression multivariate analysis, increased left atrial area (OR 1.07 per unit increase—95 % CI 1.01–1.131) and rheumatic aetiology of valve disease (OR 4.52, 95 % CI 1.65–12.4) were associated with persistence of AF at hospital discharge. Persistence of AF after RF ablation in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery is related to aetiology, e.g. rheumatic valve disease, and to increasing left atrial diameter. Due to low rate of late recovery of sinus rhythm, indication to RF ablation associated with MV surgery should be carefully considered in patients with large atria and rheumatic mitral valve disease.     

二尖瓣置换加Cox手术对心房颤动转复、心电活动及心功能的影响

目的探讨二尖瓣置换加迷宫手术（ＭＶＲ－ＭＰ）对二尖瓣病变伴心房颤动（房颤）患者的心律转复作用及对心电活动和心功能的影响。方法应用心电图、动态心电图、运动负荷心电图及超声心动图观察２８例ＭＶＲ－ＭＰ患者手术前后心电活动、心功能及运动耐量变化,并与９８例单纯二尖瓣置换术（ＭＶＲ）患者的相应指标比较。术前两组均为二尖瓣病变伴长期房颤患者。结果在随访中ＭＶＲ－ＭＰ组和ＭＶＲ组恢复并维持窦性心律分别为９２．９％和２．０％（Ｐ＜０．０１）;ＭＶＲ－ＭＰ组心律转复后Ｐ波矮小、时限较长,动态及运动心电图未见严重心律失常;两组手术后心功能改善级别分别为２．３７±０．６９和１．４３±０．６７（Ｐ＜０．０１）,所能完成的做功量分别为１０．６７±１．５６和５．２８±０．５９ＭＥＴｓ（Ｐ＜０．０１）,左室射血分数分别为（６５．０±９．２）％及（５１．４±１０．４）％（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结论ＭＶＲ－ＭＰ可使二尖瓣病变伴长期房颤患者恢复窦性心律,可显著提高运动耐量、改善心功能。     

Impact of atrial fibrillation on clinical status, atrial size and hemodynamics in patients after mitral valve replacement.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The association between mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) is well known, but few data exist regarding the impact of AF after mitral valve replacement (MVR) on NYHA functional class, atrial size and hemodynamic parameters. The present study was conducted to evaluate these issues. METHODS: Eighty-six patients (26 men, 60 women) who underwent MVR were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Fifty-nine patients had chronic AF (AF group), and 27 were in sinus rhythm (sinus group). Variables analyzed included end-systolic left atrial and right atrial areas, tricuspid regurgitation, and presence and duration of AF. Peak and mean transprosthetic mitral valve gradients and pulmonary pressure were estimated by Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Groups were matched for age, sex and time from MVR (mean 6.6 years). Sixty-four patients (77%) had rheumatic heart disease, 18 (21%) had mitral valve disease, and two (2%) had mitral valve prolapse. Mean duration of AF was 11+/-12 years (range: 8-50 years). Preoperatively, AF patients had a worse NYHA class than sinus patients (2.8+/-0.8 versus 1.1+/-0.7, p = 0.001), but both had similar fractional shortening of the left ventricle and preserved prosthetic mitral valve function. Multivariate analysis identified AF as a single predictor of NYHA class after MVR. Although left and right atrial areas were larger in AF patients (47+/-25 versus 27+/-7 cm2, p = 0.0001 and 30+/-12 versus 17+/-5 cm2, p = 0.0001, respectively), the left:right atrial size ratio was not significantly different between groups. Multivariate analysis identified mean transmitral gradient and duration of AF as independent predictors of left atrial size after MVR (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Tricuspid regurgitation and duration of AF were independent predictors of right atrial size (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The presence of AF after MVR is associated with a worse NYHA functional class, increased transmitral gradients, and larger areas of both atria, when compared with sinus rhythm. Hence, a special effort should be made to correct arrhythmia during surgery, and in case of paroxysmal arrhythmia, earlier surgery should be considered before the condition becomes chronic.     

Efficacy of intra-operative radiofrequency ablation in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant mitral valve replacement

BACKGROUND: Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is present before operation and persists after surgery in 30-40% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Using the maze procedure, 75-82% of patients can be cured of AF, but the procedure is difficult and long lasting. Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation has emerged as an effective therapy for AF in recent years. AIM: To assess the efficacy of intra-operative RF ablation of AF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. METHODS: 100 adults with permanent AF underwent mitral valve replacement. Patients were divided into two groups: the RF group--50 patients qualified for mitral valve replacement and RF ablation; and the control group--50 patients selected for mitral valve replacement without ablation. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were examined to assess the influence of several factors on the outcome (free from AF during one-year follow-up based on symptoms and serial Holter ECG recordings). RESULTS: Baseline clinical, demographic and echocardiographic characteristics were similar in both groups. Electrical cardioversion following surgery was required in 76% of patients from the RF group compared with 94% from the control group (p<0.002). In those who underwent cardioversion, sinus rhythm was restored more frequently in RF than control patients (32 vs. 16%, p<0.002). Sinus rhythm at hospital discharge was present in 56% of RF patients compared with 22% of controls (p=0.0001), and after one-year follow-up in 54 vs. 16% (p<0.001), respectively. The use of amiodarone was significantly lower in RF patients compared with controls (32 vs. 70%, p<0.05). NYHA class III (OR 8.5, CI 1.0-394) or IV (OR 36, CI 1.2-1958) and left atrial diameter >6 cm (OR 9.3, CI 0.5-5230) were identified as predictors of AF. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative RF ablation performed in the left atrium in patients with chronic AF undergoing mitral valve replacement significantly improves sinus rhythm restoration rate. Advanced heart failure (NYHA class IV) and left atrial diameter >6 cm are negative prognostic factors for sinus rhythm maintenance.     

Effect of maze procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing valve replacement

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to elucidate the impact of the maze procedure on late outcome after valve replacement. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 241 patients underwent the maze procedure combined with valve replacement. Patients were allocated to three groups: aortic valve replacement (AVR/maze, n = 16); mitral valve replacement (MVR/maze, n = 148); and combined aortic and mitral valve replacement (DVR/maze, n = 77). RESULTS: Mean follow up was 3.9 +/- 2.3 years. Hospital mortality was 0% in the AVR/maze group, 2.0% (n = 3) in the MVR/maze group, and 3.9% (n = 3) in the DVR/maze group. Elimination of atrial fibrillation (AF) at discharge was achieved in 74.3-75.9% of cases. Freedom from recurrence of AF/atrial flutter was 71.2% in the AVR/maze group, 68.2% in the MVR/maze group, and 64.0% in the DVR/maze group at five-year follow up. By multivariate analysis, risk factors for recurrence of AF/atrial flutter included preoperative enlarged left atrial dimension >70 mm, decreased postoperative fractional shortening <30%, and absence of postoperative left atrial contraction. Freedom from stroke was 93.6% in patients who achieved regular rhythm (normal sinus rhythm or junctional rhythm), and 80.9% in those with recurrence of AF at five years after surgery (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The combined maze procedure and valve replacement is safe and effective in selected patients. Restoration of regular rhythm significantly reduced the incidence of late stroke.     

二尖瓣置换术后患者持续性心房颤动心率控制与节律控制的对比分析

目的 研究风湿性心脏病(风心病)二尖瓣置换术后心率控制与节律控制对患者远期预后的影响.方法 本试验采用回顾性分析.选择2006年在我院择期行二尖瓣置换术的患者197例,按术后心律情况分为窦性心律组(n=100)和心房颤动(房颤)组(n=97).收集患者基本资料,以患者手术结束为试验起始时间,随访术后发生脑卒中及心脏性死...     

换瓣同期行心内微波消融治疗风湿性二尖瓣病变伴心房颤动——近中期疗效分析

目的:探讨风湿性二尖瓣病变伴心房颤动(房颤)病例换瓣同期行心内微波消融术的近、中期疗效及可行性。方法:回顾性分析58例换瓣同期行心内微波消融术的风湿性二尖瓣病变伴房颤病例,患者平均年龄(49±12)岁;临床均确诊为风湿性二尖瓣疾病合并房颤,房颤病史平均(4.2±2.9)年。所有患者随访时间为术后3个月,6个月及12个月。结果:58例心脏手术复跳后均为窦性心律(100%),微波消融时间平均(15±5.2)min。围手术期因重度低心排出量综合征和呼吸衰竭死亡各1例。出院时51例患者为窦性心律,近期转复率为91.1%。术后6个月,2例复发转为房颤,49例为窦性心律(87.5%),术后12个月49例仍为窦性心率,总有效率87.5%。术后无血栓形成及神经系统并发症。结论:在风湿性二尖瓣病变伴房颤的病例换瓣同期行心内微波消融治疗是一种安全、有效的方法,且操作较“迷宫手术”和射频消融简单,手术时间短,易于推广。     

Left atrial radiofrequency compartmentalization for chronic atrial fibrillation during heart surgery

BACKGROUND: The excellent results of the Maze III operation have demonstrated that a surgical cure of atrial fibrillation (AF) is possible. A simplified Maze procedure with radiofrequency (RF)ablation of the atrial tissue added to open heart surgery may help to cure chronic AF with low risk. METHODS: From May 1998 to March 2001, an RF left atrial compartmentalization concomitant to a cardiac surgical intervention was performed on 40 of 1,258 patients (3.2 %). Thirty-seven patients had mitral valve disease, two had aortic valve disease and one had coronary artery disease. All patients presented with chronic refractory AF for a mean time of 40.4 months ranging from 4 months to 18 years. RESULTS: Mitral valve replacement (MVR) was performed in 19 patients, mitral valve repair in 12, combined aortic and mitral valve procedures were performed in 6, aortic valve replacement(AVR) in 2 and CABG in 1 patient. Cardiopulmonary bypass time for the complete procedure was 138 +/- 32 minutes with an ablation time of 19 +/- 5 minutes. No complication related to RF application was noted. Sinus rhythm was present in 68% after 12.5 +/- 8.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: RF left atrial compartmentalization combined with cardiac surgical interventions proved to be easy and safe to perform. The long-term results still have to be confirmed with further regular patient follow-up examinations.     

微波消融治疗心房颤动在风湿性心脏病二尖瓣置换术中的应用

目的研究风湿性心脏病二尖瓣手术同期行心内膜微波消融术治疗持续性心房颤动(简称房颤)的效果。方法66例患者随机分为两组,33例在二尖瓣手术中行心内膜微波消融治疗,另外33例设为对照组,单独行瓣膜手术。结果微波组主动脉阻断时间、体外循环时间长于对照组(63.818±17.738 min vs 47.545±18.018 min;108.879±32.191 min vs 85.333±22.885 min。P均<0.05)。术后两组均未出现严重并发症。随访2.3±1.4年,微波组中24例(72.7%)维持窦性心律,对照组中5例(15.2%)为窦性心律,两组比较,P<0.05。术后6个月、2年,微波组左房内径明显小于对照组(P<0.05);术后2年,微波组三尖瓣返流量明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论微波消融治疗房颤安全、效果确切,可延缓术后左房内径变大及三尖瓣返流的进展。     

瓣膜置换同时射频消融隔离肺静脉治疗风湿性瓣膜性心脏病永久性房颤

目的观察瓣膜置换同时肺静脉隔离治疗风湿性瓣膜性心脏病永久性房颤的疗效。方法风湿性瓣膜性心脏病瓣膜置换手术中合并房颤患者34例,17例消融组,17例对照组,消融组运用自制射频消融圈分别对4个肺静脉进行射频消融,术后随访,了解手术疗效。结果两组临床基线一致,平均随访（9．9±2．2）个月,消融组房颤转复率52．9％,对照组房颤转复率17．6％,两组差异有统计学显著意义（P〈0．05）。结论心内膜射频消融隔离肺静脉能安全、较有效地治疗风湿性瓣膜性心脏病永久性房颤。     

Preoperative atrial size predicts the success of radiofrequency maze procedure for permanent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing concomitant valvular surgery

BACKGROUND: The radiofrequency (RF) maze procedure can effectively restore sinus rhythm and atrial transport function in the majority of patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease. No previous study has described a cutoff value of preoperative atrial size determined by the discriminant analysis in predicting the success of sinus conversion by the RF maze procedure for permanent AF in patients with mitral valve disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 81 patients with permanent AF and mitral valve disease who underwent the RF maze IV procedure while undergoing concomitant valvular operations. There was one surgical death (1.2%). Another patient died of acute necrotizing pancreatitis 13 months later. Two patients (2.5%) developed sick sinus syndrome and received transvenous permanent pacemaker implantation. In the remaining 77 patients, there were 38 men and 39 women, with a mean (+/- SD) age of 51 +/- 11 years. At a mean follow-up time of 38 months, 65 patients (84.4%) had persistent sinus conversion that had been accomplished by the RF maze procedure (group 1), and 12 patients (15.6%) did not regain sinus rhythm (group 2). We evaluated the preoperative variables between the two groups. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the preoperative left atrial area and the left atrial diameter of group 1 patients were significantly smaller than those of group 2 patients. Group 1 had significantly fewer patients associated with tricuspid valve disease than did group 2. By multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis, only the preoperative left atrial area was an independent determinant of sinus conversion by the RF maze procedure (odds ratio, 0.961; 95% confidence interval, 0.935 to 0.988; p < 0.005). Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of the cutoff value of 56.25 cm(2) of the preoperative left atrial area in predicting the sinus conversion by the RF maze procedure were 50.0% and 86.2%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 40.0% and 90.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The preoperative left atrial area is an independent determinant of sinus conversion by the RF maze procedure for patients with permanent AF and mitral valve disease.     

改良迷宫双极射频消融术治疗心房颤动的早期疗效分析

目的:分析瓣膜置换同期行改良迷宫双极射频消融术治疗合并心房颤动的早期疗效。方法:2011年9月至2012年9月,39例患者在瓣膜置换术同期采用双极射频消融系统,取改良迷宫手术路径治疗心房颤动。其中男性16例,女性23例,年龄23～69岁,二尖瓣置换28例,双瓣膜置换11例,同时行三尖瓣成型26例(包括5例使用成型环)。记录术前,术后当日,出院时,出院后1个月、3个月心电图分析早期疗效。并取同期同一医师单纯瓣膜置换手术89例作为对比。结果:同期射频消融术组出院时窦性心律34例,3例仍为心房颤动,房颤消除率为87.1%。术后予胺碘酮治疗3个月。出院后3个月窦性心律35例,心房颤动消除率为89.7%。对比单纯瓣膜置换组在体外循环时间、术后前3 d胸腔积液量增加差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),其余手术并发症无增加。结论:改良迷宫双极射频消融术治疗合并心房颤动安全、简便,早期疗效好。     

Midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in persistent atrial fibrillation

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess the midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Between October 2006 and July 2009, 95 patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation underwent a mitral valve procedure and left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation. The postoperative data of the combined procedure were collected at the time of discharge and at one, three, six and 12 months after the operation.

Results

Hospital mortality rate was 6.3% (six patients). Normal sinus rhythm was achieved in 77.2% of patients during the early postoperative period in hospital, and in 73.3, 72.0 and 75% of patients at three, six and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 14.02 ± 5.71 months (range: 6–19 months). During this midterm follow-up period, nine patients had late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. No risk factor was identified for late recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Our midterm follow-up results suggest that the addition of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation to mitral valve surgery is an effective and safe procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.     

Left atrial radiofrequency ablation during cardiac surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Intraoperative left atrial radiofrequency (RF) ablation recently has been suggested as an effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to verify the outcome of this technique in a controlled multicenter trial. Methods and Results: One hundred three consecutive patients (39 men and 65 women; age 62 ± 11 years) affected by AF underwent cardiac surgery and RF ablation in the left atrium (RF group). The control group consisted of 27 patients (6 men and 21 women; age 64 ± 7 years) with AF who underwent cardiac surgery during the same period and refused RF ablation. Mitral valve disease was present in 89 (86%) and 25 (92%) patients, respectively (P = NS). RF endocardial ablation was performed in order to obtain isolation of both right and left pulmonary veins, a lesion connecting the previous lines, and a lesion connecting the line encircling the left veins to the mitral annulus. Upon discharge from the hospital, sinus rhythm was present in 65 patients (63%) versus 5 patients (18%) in the control group (P < 0.0001). Mean time of cardiopulmonary bypass was longer in the RF group (148 ± 50 min vs 117 ± 30 min, P = 0.013). The complication rate was similar in both groups, but RF ablation‐related complications occurred in 4 RF group patients (3.9%). After a mean follow‐up of 12.5 ± 5 months (range 4–24), 83 (81%) of 102 RF group patients were in stable sinus rhythm versus 3 (11%) of 27 in the control group (P < 0.0001). The success rate was similar among the four surgical centers. Atrial contraction was present in 66 (79.5%) of 83 patients in the RF group in sinus rhythm. Conclusion: Endocardial RF left atrial compartmentalization during cardiac surgery is effective in restoring sinus rhythm in many patients. This technique is easy to perform and reproducible. Rare RF ablation‐related complications can occur. During follow‐up, sinus rhythm persistence is good, and biatrial contraction is preserved in most patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 1289‐1295, December 2003)     

经皮球囊二尖瓣成形术后心房颤动复律患者血浆中利钠肽和脑钠肽的变化

目的:观察经皮球囊二尖瓣成形术(PBMV)后心房颤动(房颤)成功复律与未复律患者血浆中心房利钠肽(ANP)和脑钠肽(BNP)的变化,并探讨与血流动力学参数的关系.方法:选择成功PBMV的风湿性二尖瓣狭窄伴持续房颤律患者48例,其中成功复律组20例,未复律28例,获得外周静脉血及血流动力学完整资料.分别用放射免疫法和酶链免疫法测定血浆中ANP、BNP值,由超声心动图测左房内径(LAD)、二尖瓣口面积(MVA)、二尖瓣跨瓣压差(MPG)、左室舒张末径(LVEED).结果:随访至PBMV后1年,复律组患者血浆中ANP和BNP逐步下降,而未复律组BNP呈下降趋势,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05), 复律组LAD和MPG较未复律组显著缩小(P<0.05).ANP、BNP与血流动力学指标之间相关性比较显示:复律组,术后1年与术前比较△LAD与△ANP下降仍呈正相关性(r=0.774;P<0.05),而△BNP与△MPG有相关(r=0.574;P<0.05).结论:PBMV后,房颤复律可进一步改善血流动力学,缩小LAD,降低血浆中ANP和BNP水平,复律后ANP和BNP的变化,仍是间接反映LAD和MPG变化趋势的有效指标.     

Impaired fibrinolytic capacity in rheumatic mitral stenosis with or without atrial fibrillation and nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation

Chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) has often been associated with systemic embolization, and patients with mitral stenosis (MS) have the highest thromboembolic risk. Increased risk of thromboembolism could be in part due to impaired fibrinolytic function. Global fibrinolytic capacity (GFC) is an innovative technique for evaluating the entire fibrinolytic system.The aim of our study was to evaluate fibrinolytic activity in patients with rheumatic and nonrheumatic chronic AE To investigate fibrinolytic activity, we assessed GFC in peripheral blood samples of 32 patients with nonrheumatic AF (14 women; mean age, 56 +/- 1 years), 30 patients with rheumatic MS and AF (23 women; mean age, 35 +/- 9 years), and 32 patients with rheumatic MS and sinus rhythm (24 women; mean age, 36 +/- 8 years). The control group comprised 30 healthy adult subjects in normal sinus rhythm. Patients with chronic AF (rheumatic and nonrheumatic) had lower GFC than did the controls (P = .0001). The rheumatic AF group also showed decreased levels of GFC compared with the nonrheumatic AF group, with the rheumatic MS and sinus rhythm group, and with controls (P = .03, P = .02, P = .0001, respectively). GFC was lower in patients with rheumatic MS and sinus rhythm than in controls (P = .003). Although there were correlations between GFC and mitral valve area, transmitral mean gradient, left atrial diameter, and mitral calcification in patients with rheumatic MS, multivariate analysis showed only transmitral gradient as an independent factor affecting GFC. Patients with AF have decreased GFC, a finding that suggests the presence of a hypofibrinolytic state. Fibrinolytic dysfunction was more pronounced in rheumatic MS patients with AF than in those with nonrheumatic AF. Moreover, patients with rheumatic MS and sinus rhythm had decreased global fibrinolytic activity. Hypofibrinolysis documented by decreased GFC can be one of the important causes of increased risk of embolism in patients with AF and rheumatic MS.     

射频消融迷宫术治疗心房颤动疗效观察

目的 :探讨直视下射频消融迷宫术治疗心房颤动 (房颤 )的效果。方法 :选取 136例风湿性心脏病并发房颤患者 ,在体外循环心内直视下行射频消融迷宫术 ,同时行瓣膜替换术 ;另选取 18例患者 (包括风湿性心脏病并发房颤 13例 ,先天性心脏病并发房颤 5例 )在体外循环心内直视下行单纯右心房射频消融术 ,同时行瓣膜替换及其他心内畸形矫治。结果 :无手术死亡。射频消融迷宫术组有 112例恢复了窦性心律 ,占 82 .4 %;单纯右心房射频消融术组 11例恢复了窦性心律 ,占 6 1.1%。结论 :射频消融迷宫术治疗房颤成功率高 ,方法简单 ,效果满意 ,危险性小。     

Anatomic atrial remodeling after mitral valve surgery in permanent atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve pathology is frequently associated with atrial dilation and fibrillation. Mitral surgery allows immediate surgical atrial remodeling, and in those cases in which sinus rhythm is achieved, it is followed by late remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the process of postoperative atrial remodeling in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who undergo mitral surgery. PATIENTS AND METHOD: In a prospective randomized trial, 50 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and dilated left atrium, repaired surgically, were divided into two groups: group I, 25 patients with left atrial reduction and mitral surgery, and group II, 25 patients with isolated valve surgery. The characteristics of both groups were considered homogeneous in the preoperative assessment. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 31 months, 46% of the patients in group I versus 18% in group II regained sinus rhythm (p = 0.06). Atrial remodeling with shrinkage occurred in patients who recovered sinus rhythm, with larger changes in group II (-10.8% left atrial volume reduction in group I compared to -21.5% in group II; p < 0.05). The atrium became enlarged again in patients whose atrial fibrillation did not remit (+16.8% left atrial volume increase in group I versus +8.4% in group II; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral surgery produces a postoperative decrease in atrial volume, especially when reduction techniques are used. Late left atrial remodeling was influenced by the type of atrial rhythm and postoperative surgical volume.     

Efficacy of an additional MAZE procedure using cooled-tip radiofrequency ablation in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease. A randomized, prospective trial.

AIMS: This study is the first prospective randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of an antiarrhythmic surgical procedure in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve replacement. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty consecutive patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve replacement were randomized for an additional modified MAZE-operation using intra-operatively cooled-tip radiofrequency ablation (group A) or mitral valve replacement alone (group B). Biatrial contraction was studied and functional capacity was evaluated in spiro-ergometry 6 months after surgery. Thirty-day mortality was 0% in both groups. After 12 months, sinus rhythm was reinstituted significantly more often in patients of group A (cumulative rate of sinus rhythm 0.800) compared to patients in group B (0.267) (P<0.01). 66.7% of patients in sinus rhythm of group A had documented biatrial contraction. Electrocardioversion showed long-term success in only 17% of patients in group A and 0% in group B. Maximal aerobic uptake at the 6-month spiro-ergometry revealed no significant difference (9.3 vs 8.5 ml x min(-1) kg(-1), P=0.530). CONCLUSIONS: A modified MAZE operation using cooled-tip radiofrequency ablation can be safely combined with mitral valve surgery and is highly effective in restoring sinus rhythm. Biatrial contraction is found in 66.7% of patients with sinus rhythm undergoing mitral valve replacement plus the MAZE operation.     

迷宫手术保留右心耳对血浆心房钠尿肽的影响及其临床意义

为评价慢性心房颤动 (简称房颤 )施行迷宫手术时保留右心耳对心房钠尿肽 (ANP)分泌的影响 ,及其对肾脏水钠排泄功能的作用 ,选择行二尖瓣替换术和改良迷宫手术的风湿性心脏病 (简称风心病 )患者 43例 ,根据术中有无切除右心耳 ,分成切除组 (n =2 3)和保留组 (n =2 0 ) ,另选同期行二尖瓣和主动脉瓣替换术的风心病患者 2 0例作为对照组。各组分别于术前 1天、术后 1,3,7,14天采用放射免疫法测定血浆ANP的含量 ;同时记录术后 7天内每日液体的入量、尿量以及体重的变化。结果发现 ,切除组和保留组术后 1个月窦性心律的维持率无统计学差异 ;各组术后 7天内各时间点的血浆ANP含量均较术前明显降低 (P <0 .0 5 ) ,其中尤以术后第 1天下降最为明显 ;术后 3天保留组和对照组血浆ANP含量均较术后 1天明显升高 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;保留组术后第 3,7天血浆ANP含量显著高于切除组 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;术后每日液体入量、尿量、体重以及术后 7天体液的总平衡量各组间均无显著差异 (P >0 .0 5 ) ;切除组术后 7天内应用多巴胺和速尿的总量均显著高于保留组和对照组 (P <0 .0 5 )。提示保留右心耳的迷宫手术同样能达到治疗慢性房颤的目的 ,并且对ANP的分泌的影响相对较小、从而相对改善术后肾脏水钠排汇功能。