Minimally invasive off-pump pulmonary vein isolation to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive off-pump pulmonary vein isolation to cure paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) may be an alternative to percutaneous catheter-based procedures.

METHODS

Three patients with highly symptomatic lone PAF refractory to medical treatment and having undergone unsuccessful catheter-based ablation underwent pulmonary vein isolation using the Cardioblate BP device with a minimally invasive approach.

RESULTS

There were no complications and all patients were discharged in sinus rhythm. Mean ablation time per lesion was 15.2 sec and mean operation time was 118 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins is safe and can be performed off-pump in a minimally invasive manner.