Operative and percutaneous procedures for cure of atrial fibrillation.

The surgical maze procedure was the first successful curative procedure for atrial fibrillation. However it is a technically difficult procedure and has not been widely adopted. Subsequently, radiofrequency ablation has been used to replace the surgical incisions of the maze operation in new open-heart and percutaneous catheter based procedures. These procedures have an acceptable level of efficacy and safety, and should be considered for patients with problematic atrial fibrillation. This review summarises the development of these procedures, their current role in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, patient selection and after care.