Clinical and Economic Consequences of Left Atrial Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Persistent and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation During Cardiac Surgery

Clinical and Economic Consequences of Left Atrial Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Persistent and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation During Cardiac Surgery. A Prospective Randomized Multi Center Trial

The clinical effects of intra-operative radiofrequency ablation in patients with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation and an indication for an implantation of a heart valve prosthesis or coronary bypass surgery are the purposes of this study. The study will examine if and to what extent the quality of life and the use of medical care differs between patients with and without ablation. Furthermore, there will be thorough echocardiographic examinations of the heart to detect differences between the different treatment groups. The patients will be followed for one year after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Persistent atrial fibrillation
• Permanent atrial fibrillation
• Mitral valve defect
• Tricuspid valve defect
• Aortic valve defect
• Coronary artery disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Age < 18 or > 75 Years
• Emergency surgery
• Left dominant coronary circulation (relative contraindication)
• Coronary arteries of the posterior wall without pathological findings: No inclusion
• Stenosis of the posterior wall vessels, supplied with a CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting): Inclusion possible
• Left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%
• Size of the left atrium > 7 cm
• Thrombosis of the left atrial appendage
• Leads in the coronary sinus
• Atrial flutter
• Infective endocarditis
• Reoperation
• Participation in other studies
• Life expectancy of less than 12 months
• Psychiatric disorders
• Hyperthyreosis