Evaluation of long term results of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation techniques applied simultaneously with open heart surgery

Introduction: In our study, postoperative results of cryoablation and RF ablation methods applied simultaneously with open heart surgeries were evaluated. Depending on the method used, the SR rates at postoperative 6th month were examined. The effects of the demographic characteristics of the patients and echocardiographic measurements on the recurrence of AF were evaluated by comparing them according to both methods. Materials and Methods: Isolated left atrial Cox Maze IV technique with cryoablation and RF ablation procedures were performed simultaneously on 51 patients with accompanying AF, scheduled for open heart surgery. Cryothermia (n = 29; 56,9%) and radiofrequency (n = 22; 43.1%) were used as energy sources. Data were obtained retrospectively. The causality relationships of AF recurrence and factors such as energy type, LA diameter, PASP, TR severity, EF and demographic characteristics of the patients were investigated. Results: While the maintenance SR rates of cryotherapy and RF were 93,1% and 100% at discharge, they were 81,8% and 82,8% at the 6th month, respectively. During the follow-up period, a significant difference was observed between AF recurrence and LA diameter, presence of PASP, COPD, HT and CAD. In predicting the recurrence of AF, LA diameter with a cut-off value of 51,5 mm has a sensitivity of 88,9% and a specificity of 59,5%; with the cut-off value of 53 mmHg, the PASP was found to be significant at 88% sensitivity and 50% specificity. Recurrent AF developed after ablation in 45% of those with COPD, in 30% of those with HT, and in 58% of those with CAD. Recurrence of AF was 3,4 times more in cases with CAD and 2,7 times more in cases with COPD. Conclusion: Although it was seen that demographic characteristics of the patients had a significant effect on the maintenance of AF, no significant difference was observed between the ablation methods used.