Minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic stand-alone surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation.

Surgical ablation is a safe and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation. In the procedure demonstrated in this video tutorial, surgery was performed under general anesthesia with a double-lumen tube. After opening of the pericardium and blunt dissection of the oblique and transverse sinuses, surgical ablation was performed. Two guidance catheters were introduced through the oblique and transverse sinus from the left side. A bipolar radiofrequency clamp was attached to the guidance catheters and positioned to encircle the pulmonary veins and posterior left atrium. Complete electrical isolation was confirmed by measurement of bidirectional block. The left atrial appendage was excluded using an Atriclip PRO II device.