Abstract:

Objective   To investigate the process, effectiveness and influence factors of radiofrequency modified maze Ⅲ(RFMM Ⅲ) and ganglionic plexus(GP) ablation in the patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergone open-heart surgery. Methods   Retrospective analysis was used to analyze the clinical data of 102 patients who undergone RFMM Ⅲ and GP ablation treatment of valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and coronary atherosclerosis sclerotic heart disease with AF from December 2009 to December 2011. The regular follow-up was performed for 6 months after the operation. Results   1 patient died of the low cardiac output syndrome. Re-thoratomy for homeostasis occurred in 3 cases and incision infection occurred in 2 cases. Electrocardiogram showed normal rhythm without AF after the operation (sinus rhythm 93.1% and junctional rhythm 6.9%). After 6-month follow-up, the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm was 84.2%, junctional rhythm occurred in 6 patients (6.3%), and AF recurred in 9 patients (9.5%). Left atrial diameter and history of AF were the risk factors of the recurrence after RFMM Ⅲ and GP ablation(P=0.027 and 0.040 respectively). After radiofrequency ablation in the congenital heart disease and the acquired heart disease, the recurrence rate of AF had no statistical difference (P=0.686). Conclusion   RFMM Ⅲ and GP ablation was more effective and easy to operate, which could improve the successful rate of ablation. This operation had certain innovations and good prospects for the AF treatment, which deserved more clinical applications and long-term follow-up to enhance the long-term efficacy.

Key words: Atrial fibrillation; Radiofrequency modified maze Ⅲ; Ganglionic plexus; Ablation