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Subxyphoid approach for closed-chest atrial fibrillation surgery: the one hand operation

Univ. Hospital de la Vall d'Hebrón, Avenida de la Vall d'Hebrón 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain

*Corresponding author. Tel.: +34 932746160; fax: +34 962745261.

E-mail address: rafaelrodriguez{at}comb.es (R. Rodríguez Lecoq).

Although the classical Cox maze operation has been shown to be effective for curing atrial fibrillation, it is not popular due to its complexity and associated morbidity. This has led to the development of alternative methods for the creation of the Cox maze pattern. These methods are based on the creation of lines of tissue necrosis on the atrial tissue. These new methods have been shown to be equally as effective as the Cox maze operation. We describe a new technique for epicardial microwave atrial ablation for pulmonary vein isolation. This technique is performed on patients without sternotomy, through the subxyphoid process to reduce pulmonary complications.

Key Words: Atrial fibrillation; Cardiac surgery; Minimally invasive