The implementation of a comprehensive clinical protocol improves long-term success after surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation

This study describes a new concept in which a clinical algorithm is being used to manage patients after surgical ablation. Our findings suggest that the success rate of the surgical ablation procedure was significantly better in patients who were followed and treated according to the clinical algorithm. These findings suggest that coordination of patients' treatment with cardiologists is challenging but essential to enhance the long-term success rate of the surgical ablation procedure.