Ablation and Reduction: Adjuncts in Mitral Valve Surgery in Patients With Large Atria

There is a complex relationship between mitral valve disease, atrial fibrillation (AF) and size of left atrium (LA), each factor potentially influencing the other. The combination of left atrial (LA) reduction in patients with enlarged atria and ablative maze procedures in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery seems intuitive [1]. However, both concomitant procedures need enthusiastic champions. It has been over 20 years since ablative maze procedures were reported in a multicentre setting as a reasonably successful method of restoring sinus rhythm [2].
Source: Heart, Lung and Circulation - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research