Background: The successful sinus rythm restoration rates were 80-90% with the saline irrigated radiofrequency ablation (SIRFA) in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrilation (AF). The aim of the study is to define the predictors of the SIRFA procedure's success.

Methods: SIRFA was performed 50 patients (36 females, 14 males; mean age 42.3±13.8, range 17 to 68 years) with an available unipolar probe (Cardioblate TM, Medtronic) between October 2001-April 2003. All of the demographic variables of the patients (age, sex, atrial fibrillation duration, left atrial size, etc) were collected on a standart data form by prospectively. Continuous datas were expressed as means ± SD and univariate and multivariate analysis were done for the early postoperative and at the end of the firsth year.

Results: The univariant analyses have revealed that, patients older than 60 years old, AF for more than 6 months, left atrium diameter >60 mm, left atrium diameter >60 mm after left atrium diameter reducing procedure, postoperative antiarrhythmic treatment requirement and pacemaker implantation at the end of surgery are significant risk factors. Multivariant analyses have revealed that, patients older than 60 years old, patients with left atrium diameter >60 mm, with left atrium diameter >60 mm after left atrium diameter reducing procedure, and with postoperative antiarrhythmic treatment requirement are under significant risk.

Conclusion: The discussion will be continue on the predictors of the saline irrigated radiofrequency ablation success. In our study we find out that the significant predictors are; elderly patients and left atrial size.

Keywords : Radiofrequency; atrial fibrillation; ablation