Eight years experience with thoracoscopic surgical ablation of stand-alone atrial fibrillation in Cardiocenter Kralovske Vinohrady: The evolution of methods and indications and summary of the results
2015
Abstract
Aim Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be successfully treated with interventional methods of catheter or surgical ablation. New surgical minimally invasive methods have been created for patients with a stand-alone form of AF.
Methods and results In this article, we describe our eight years experiences with a thoracoscopic epicardial off-pump ablation. We narrate the methodology, indications and also summarize our outcomes.
Conclusions AF can be safely and successfully treated through a minimally invasive surgical approach. Results can be improved with usage of bipolar radiofrequency energy and close collaboration with electrophysiologists.