Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURK GOGUS KALP DAMAR CERRAHISI DERGISI-TURKISH JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: This study aims to evaluate the effects of cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation on the conversion of sinus rhythm and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery with a history of atrial fibrillation.
Methods: Between February 2014 and May 2020, a total of 88 patients (median age: 54 years; range, 45 to 73 years) diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who underwent mitral valve replacement combined with the Cox Maze IV procedure were included. Cryoablation was applied in 48 (54.5%) patients and radiofrequency ablation was applied in 40 (45.5%) patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to the ablation type and by presence or absence of postoperative atrial fibrillation recurrence. All patients had atrial fibrillation for at least six months preoperatively, as confirmed by Holter monitoring. Relationships between atrial fibrillation recurrence and left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, and body mass index were investigated.
Results: The median follow-up was 6 months, with no mortality observed during this period. At six months, sinus rhythm was maintained in 70% (n=28) patients of the radiofrequency ablation group and 79% (n=38) patients of the cryoablation group, indicating no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Increased left atrial diameter (p=0.01), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p=0.007), a body mass index of >= 30 kg/m(2 )(p<0.001), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.001) were significantly associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Conclusion: Cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, as alternative energy sources, seem to be effective in converting atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.