Methods: Thirty two patients (12 males, 20 females; mean age 45.2±10.9 years; range 19 to 65) were operated for chronic atrial fibrillation in conjunction to mitral valve disease between May 2002 and February 2005. All patients had onset of chronic atrial fibrillation at least 1 year prior to surgical intervention. RF ablation and mitral valve surgery was performed to all of the patients.
Results: The recovery of sinus rhythm (SR) was 84.3% on the first postoperative day, 90.6% on discharge and 78.1% 6 months after the surgery.
Conclusion: The modified Maze III procedure with RF is safe and effective. Maintenance of the sinus rhythm is as high as the conventional surgical procedure.