Surgical radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: the Christchurch, New Zealand experience.

AIMS: To report the long-term results following surgical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation as an adjunct to other cardiac surgery at Christchurch Hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective observational audit review of outcomes. The sample population included all patients identified as having undergone surgical RFA for atrial fibrillation at Christchurch Hospital, between the first procedure performed on 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients underwent surgical RFA between 2 July 2001 and 28 January 2009. Postoperatively there were three deaths prior to discharge (7%). Pacemakers were required in four patients (9%), and two patients subsequently underwent catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. In the immediate postoperative period only three patients remained in atrial fibrillation. At last follow-up up to 102 months from surgery (45 plus or minus 29 months), 27 patients had developed persistent atrial fibrillation and four persistent atrial flutter. Persisting long-term benefit was seen in seven patients (18%, 7/38); five patients were in stable sinus rhythm, one had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and one paroxysmal atrial flutter.

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the procedure was effectively acutely, the recurrence of atrial fibrillation was high and development of new atrial flutter common over long-term follow-up.