Alternative energies may be as effective as classic Cox-Maze cut and sew techniques in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation

摘要

Precise surgical incisions can help alleviate atrial fibrillation, but the techniques are complicated. New energy sources such as radiofrequency-micro-wave and cryoablation have been trialled instead of traditional cut and sew techniques.Khargi and colleagues assessed the efficacy of different techniques for conducting the Cox-Maze III operation to alleviate atrial fibrillation. They compared traditional 'cut and sew' techniques with alternative sources of energy (radiofrequency-microwave and cryoablation).The authors searched PubMed and Medline (1980 to March 2004) for published English language studies of surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation using an alternative source of energy or the cut and sew Cox-Maze III technique. To be eligible studies had to include data on clinical outcomes, including the postoperative sinus rhythm. It appears that empirical studies of any design were eligible.