ABSTRACT
Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the risk factors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after surgical radiofrequency ablation in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.Metbods Retrospective analysis was made in 255 cardiac valve patients undergoing concomitant radiofrequency modified Maze operation from April 2010 to December 2012 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for predicting recurrence of AF.Results Excluding 8 patients died after surgery,11 cases who were junctional rhythm after ablation or received pacemaker implantation and 60 lost case,176 patients were finished follow-up.107 cases maintained stable sinus rhythm (SR),whereas other 69 cases developed AF recurrence.Multivariate logistic regression analysis found larger left atrial size,higher B-type natriuretic peptide,lower preoperative heart rate and postoperative AF rhythm before discharge were independent risk factors for predicting AF recurrence.Conclusion Larger left atrial size,higher B-type natriuretic peptide and lower preoperative heart rate before surgery can impact outcome of surgical radiofrequency ablation in patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery after following 12(4-38)months.They can be used in clinical practice to choose more suitable cardiac valve patients with AF for surgical ablation.Postoperative appearance of AF rhythm before discharge indicated a poor prognosis,which should be interfered with drugs or electrical cardioversion.