Clinical analysis of results of a simple left atrial procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND

We have performed a simple left atrial procedure for eliminating chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with mitral valve disease. This article analyzes the midterm results of this procedure.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients were enrolled in this study concomitant with mitral valve operations. Patients were divided into two groups (AF- and AF+). We examined the efficacy of this operation and atrial function for more than 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

In a total of 98.5 patient years of follow-up, AF was absent 3 years after operation in 74%. Of preoperative and intraoperative variables, only long duration o