Electrocautery maze in chronic atrial fibrillation: An early experience

Introduction The maze procedure is the only surgical treatment that can alleviate the three physiologic sequelae of atrial fibrillation i.e. tachycardia, thromboembolic events and hemodynamic compromise. In the present study, we attempted ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using monopolar conventional cautery. Objective is to demonstrate efficacy of electroxcautery maze in chronic AF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery and long term efficacy of it in maintaining sinus rhythm. Methods In this series 25 patients who underwent electrocautery maze since 2002 were studied, the age ranged from 20–60 years, 60% of patients were females. 20 patients were in NYHA class IV and 5 patients were in class III, who had left atrium (LA) ranging from 5–6.5 cms with LA appendage clot in 8 patients. All patients underwent mitral valve replacement, 3 patients under went tricuspid valve repair and 2 underwent aortic valve replacement as concomitant procedures. The electrocautery maze was done encircling left & right pulmonary veins along with interconnecting portion. Left atrial appendage was ligated only in cases with LA clot. Results The hospital mortality rate was nil in this group of patients. Freedom from atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter was 92% at 6mths followup. Patients were followed up with regular electrocardiography. Conclusion Electrocautery maze procedure, an adjunctive procedure is safe, time sparing & effective in eliminating atrial fibrillation & restoring atrial transport function. Presented at the 50^th Annual Meeting of IACTS, New Delhi, Feb., 2004.