Long-Term Risk of Ischemic Stroke After the Cox-Maze III Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

Conclusions This multicenter study showed a low incidence of perioperative and long-term postoperative ischemic stroke/TIA after CM-III. Although general risk of ischemic stroke/TIA was reduced, patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score 2 or greater had a higher risk compared with score 0 or 1. Complete left atrial appendage excision may be an important reason for the low ischemic stroke rate.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research