Medtronic Concomitant Utilization of Radio Frequency for Atrial Fibrillation CURE-AF/Persistent

Medtronic Concomitant Utilization of Radio Frequency Energy for Atrial Fibrillation (CURE-AF)/Persistent Study

This investigation is a prospective, nonrandomized multicenter clinical trial evaluating the outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) requiring concomitant open heart surgery plus the Cardioblate Surgical Ablation System using the modified Maze III procedure. The trial population includes patients requiring valve replacements or repairs, atrial septal defect (ASD) repairs, patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. The study objectives are to demonstrate that the Medtronic Cardioblate Surgical Ablation System can safely and effectively treat persistent AF patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients must have a documented history of persistent AF as defined by the ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines: Characterized as episodes of non-self-terminating atrial fibrillation that usually lasts more than 7 days.

2. Concomitant indication (other than AF) for open-heart surgery for one or more of the following:

   • Mitral valve repair or replacement
   • Aortic valve repair or replacement
   • Tricuspid valve repair or replacement
   • Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair
   • Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure
   • Coronary artery bypass procedures

3. Greater than or equal to 18 years of age

4. Able and willing to comply with study requirements by signing a consent form

5. Must be able to take the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
2. NYHA Class = IV
3. Left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 30%
4. Need for emergent cardiac surgery (i.e. cardiogenic shock)
5. Previous atrial ablation for AF, AV-nodal ablation, or surgical Maze procedure
6. Contraindication for anticoagulation therapy
7. Left atrial diameter > 7.0 cm
8. Preoperative need for an intra-aortic balloon pump or intravenous inotropes
9. Renal failure requiring dialysis or hepatic failure
10. Life expectancy of less than one year
11. Pregnancy or desire to be pregnant within 12 months of the study treatment.
12. Current diagnosis of active systemic infection
13. Documented MI 6 weeks prior to study enrollment