Thoracoscopic Versus Endocardial Ablation in Patient With Paroxysmal AF After Failed Initial Endocardial Ablation

Thoracoscopic Ablation Versus Endocardial Ablation in Patient With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation After Failed Initial Endocardial Ablation

The investigators aimed to compare two approaches thoracoscopic epicardial ablation and endocardial catheter ablation after failed initial catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• failed initial catheter ablation
• paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Exclusion Criteria:

• chronic lung disease
• body mass index >35
• longstanding atrial fibrillation 1 year
• previous stroke or transient ischemic attack
• left atrial thrombus
• left atrial size >65 mm
• left ventricular ejection fraction <35%