Long-term outcome following concomitant mitral valve surgery and Cox maze procedure for atrial fibrillation

摘要

ObjectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased early and long-term morbidity/mortality following valve surgery. This study examined long-term influence of concomitant full Cox maze (CM) and mitral valve procedures on freedom from atrial arrhythmia and stroke.MethodsThis sample comprised patients who underwent CM with a mitral valve procedure (N?=?473). Data on rhythm, medication status, and clinical events captured according to Heart Rhythm Society guidelines at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24?months and yearly thereafter up to 7?years.ResultsMean age was 65?years, mean left atrium size was 5.3?cm, and 15% had paroxysmal AF. Perioperative stroke occurred in 2 patients (0.4%) and operative mortality was 2.7% (n?=?13). Return to sinus rhythm regardless of antiarrhythmic drugs at 1, 5, and 7?years was 90%, 80%, and 66%. Sinus rhythm off antiarrhythmic drugs at 1, 5, and 7?years was 83%, 69%, and 55%. Freedom from embolic stroke at 7?years was 96.6% (0.4 strokes per 100 patient-years) with a majority of patients off anticoagulation medication. Greater odds of atrial arrhythmia recurrence during 7?years was associated with longer AF duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; P?=?.001), whereas lower odds were associated with cryothermal energy only (OR, 0.64; P?=?.045) and greater surgeon experience (OR, 0.98; P?=?.025).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the addition of CM to mitral valve procedures, even with a high degree of complexity, did not increase operative risk. In long-term follow-up, the CM procedure demonstrated acceptable rhythm success, reduced AF burden, and remarkably low stroke rate. Individual surgeon experience and training may notably influence long-term surgical ablation for AF success.