The outcome and indications of the Cox maze III procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation with mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy of the Cox maze III procedure for chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease is unclear, and so was evaluated in this study.

METHODS

In 30 patients, we applied the maze III procedure (cut and suture), except for one modification in the case of a left posterior sinus node artery. After dividing the patients into sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation groups more than 6 months after the operation, we compared various parameters.

RESULTS

Sinus rhythm was restored in 27 patients (90%). One patient had atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia and needed a pacemaker for sick sinus syndrome (3.3%). The f-wave voltage in lead V1, the preoperative cardiothoracic ratio, the preoperative left atrial systolic dimension, and the duration of atrial fibrillation were 0.23 +/- 0.10 mV, 60.4% +/- 5.2%, 57.4 +/- 8.2 mm, respectively, and 5.1 +/- 4.6 years in the group with sinus rhythm, and were 0.06 +/- 0.05 mV, 77.7% +/- 10.3%, 95.3 +/- 24.0 mm, respectively, and 11.8 +/- 5.5 years in the group with atrial fibrillation. These parameters were all significantly different between the groups. Regarding atrial function, a transmitral flow A wave was detected in 66.7% and a transtricuspid flow A wave in 100%. Only the duration of atrial fibrillation had a significant influence on the restoration of left atrial function.

CONCLUSION

The maze III procedure was effective for atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. This procedure should be applied to patients with a cardiothoracic ratio less than 70% and a left atrial systolic dimension less than 80 mm.