Efficacy of the maze procedure for atrial fibrillation associated with atrial septal defect.

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in elderly patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of the maze procedure in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2000 and May 2011, 46 patients underwent the maze procedure as a concomitant operation with ASD closure. Three patients who underwent a right-sided maze were excluded, and one patient was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up duration was 3.2±2.5 years. Electrocardiography was performed 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, and checked annually after that.

RESULTS

AF persisted in 4 patients after surgery. One year after surgery, among 38 patients, 55.3% remained in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drugs. However, when including the patients who took antiarrhythmic drugs, 92.1% were in sinus rhythm. Freedom from AF recurrence at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years after surgery were 97.4±2.6, 94.4±3.8, 91.2±4.9, 87.8±5.8, 79.5±7.6, and 68.2±12.4, respectively. There was no early mortality after operation.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant treatment with the maze procedure and ASD closure is safe and effective for restoring the sinus rhythm.