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Wire perforation of Flex 10 microwave device during thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation

Trent Cardiac Centre, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK

*Corresponding author. Tel.: +447740493245; fax: +01158402605.

E-mail address: s_a_hashim{at}hotmail.com (S. Hashim).

Objectives: Rapid advances in technology are increasing the repertoire of techniques available for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). These techniques utilize new devices which are normally safe. However, potential problems can arise with a new device as is illustrated in this report. Methods: A 58-year-old man underwent a thoracosopic AF ablation utilizing the Flex 10 probe (Guidant, Afix, Fremont, CA). Results: We experienced an important device failure following thoracoscopic microwave AF ablation that has not been reported to date. Conclusions: Although new devices seem to be safe, potential problems often emerge with time, and clinicians pioneering these technologies have an obligation to report these experiences to the wider surgical community.

Key Words: Thoracoscopy; Arrhythmia surgery; Surgical instruments