The Heart Surgery Forum, Volume 6, Issue 3

A Completely Endoscopic Approach to Microwave Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

(#2003-11333 ... January 13, 2003)

Adam E. Saltman, MD, PhD, Lawrence S. Rosenthal, MD, PhD, Nicola A. Francalancia, MD, Stephen J. Lahey, MD

Divisions of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiology, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

ABSTRACT

Background: Surgical therapy for atrial fibrillation is extremely effective but not widely applied. Minimally invasive methods may be more attractive. We report a case of complete pulmonary vein isolation performed entirely through a thoracoscopic approach.

Methods: A 74-year-old woman with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent a microwave ablation procedure using 3 access ports in the right pleural space and 3 access ports through the left pleural space.

Results: After the 3-hour procedure the patient was extubated in the operating room and discharged home in sinus rhythm on the second postoperative day.

Conclusions: Endoscopic pulmonary vein isolation is a safe and effective procedure that may be applied to a wide variety of patients.

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