Totally Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Simplified Technique. Issue 6 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Jazairi, Meelad I.H.; Klinkenberg, Theo J.; Van Putte, Bart P.; Mariani, Massimo A.; Benussi, Stefano
• Is Part Of: Innovations. Volume 12:Issue 6(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Atrial fibrillation -- Minimally invasive surgery -- Surgical ablation -- Pulmonary vein isolation -- Thoracoscopic procedures; Cardiovascular system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Blood-vessels -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Thoracic Surgical Procedures -- methods -- Periodicals; Vascular Surgical Procedures -- methods -- Periodicals; Thorax -- Chirurgie -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; Vaisseaux sanguins -- Chirurgie -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; Blood-vessels -- Surgery; Chest -- Surgery; Periodicals; 617.41
• DOI: 10.1097/IMI.0000000000000428
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-9845

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Since the introduction of thoracoscopic ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), the field of minimally invasive AF treatment has evolved toward an established treatment option for AF, with an overall 2-year antiarrhythmic drug free success rate of 77%. Complications are usually minor, and the incidence of bleeding needing conversion to sternotomy or (mini-)thoracotomy varies between 0% and 1.6%. Bleeding is often related to encircling the pulmonary veins, which is a blind maneuver that has to be done without direct camera vision. We propose here a modified surgical technique to simplify the procedure, shorten the operating time, and lower the risk of complications. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.