Seven years of experience in using the cryomaze intra-operative procedure in cardio-center

IntroductionThe authors carried out a retrospective assessment of the efficacy of CryoMaze procedure employed between early 2004 and June 2011 jointly with performing other cardiac surgeries in patients suffering permanent/persistent or paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and other supraventricular arrhythmias. Included in the set to be assessed were 383 patients. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of the procedure in maintaining the Sinus Rhythm (SR).MethodsWithin one year following the discharge from the Center, the patients, then outpatients, underwent four follow-up checks – data obtained in the checks have been used to compile this assessment.ConclusionOne year after the CryoMaze therapy was given, 74% of the patients exhibited sinus rhythm. No complications attributable to the use of cryoenergy were observed. The best results in restoring and maintaining the sinus rhythm were achieved in the group of patients indicated for CryoMaze because of their paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.