Serrum irrigated radiofrequency ablation of long term results at atrial fibrilation patients with valve disorders

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the endocardial radiofrequency ablation for the patients with mitral valve disorders and cronic atrial fibrilation during mitral valve operation INSTUTATION: Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine Department of Cardivascular Surgery –GAZİANTEP MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2009; 300 patients with mitral valve diseases associated chronic atrial fibrilation underwent valve replacement and endocardial radiofrequency ablation with cardioblade meditronic ablation pen at GGU Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular surgery. There were 123 (%41 ) male and 177 (%59 ) female patients ranging in age from 18 to 68 years, with a mean age of 42,3 ± 13,8 years. The functional capacity of the patients were Class I in 0(%0), Class II in 72 (%24 ), Class III in 192 (%64 ), Class IV in 36 (%12) according the NYHA functional classification. At the preoperative period all patients were evaluated by 12 lead ECG, Transtorasic Ecocardiyograhy (TTE). For the patients over 40 years old coronary angiography was performed to rule out concomitant coronary artery disease. The patients were evalueted 1st, 6th, 12th, 60th months and annualy bye 12 lead ECG, TTE and as needed Holter monitarization after discharging. RESULTS: There were no complications related to the ablation technique. There were no operative or early postoperative deaths (within in 30 days). 266(%88,6) patients reverted to normal sinus rhythm postoperatively. But, SVT was seen in 7(%2,3) patients, and they were treated with antiarihtymic drugs.Total 273(%91) patient were discharged with sinus rhythm. The mean follow up period is 5 years. During the follow up period, 243(%81) patients were noted to be in normal sinus rhytm. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency Ablation is an efficient and useful technique. A good restore rate of normal sinus rhythm and atrial functions can be achieved by radiofrequency ablation tecnique in patients presenting with rheumatic mitral valve disease.