Clinical efficacy of endoscopic epicardial microwave ablation for isolated atrial fibrillation / 中华心血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy of endoscopic epicardial microwave ablation, a new completely endoscopic technique, for isolated atrial fibrillation (AF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July to October of 2004, 5 patients with isolated permanent AF underwent this procedure. We performed epicardial microwave ablation using FLEX10 probe under the guide of VasoView 5 endoscope. The probe was placed around left and right pulmonary vein orifices, the microwave application was set 65 W/90 s, and a continuous ablation line was obtained encircling the pulmonary veins. Echocardiography and electrocardiography were carried out in all patients before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five patients received electrical conversion after ablation. Average ablation time was 35.0 min and average procedure time was 2.5 h without any procedure-related complications. At the 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up, 4 patients (80%) were in sinus rhythm, associated with a reduced left atrial diameter and an improved cardiac function.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Endoscopic epicardial microwave ablation for isolated atrial fibrillation appears to be safe and effective.</p>