The evaluation of the cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation in the long-term after "MAZE" radiofrequency endocardial catheter ablation procedure

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in the long-term period after “MAZE” radiofrequency endocardial catheter ablation procedure, according to the efficacy of the interventional treatment. A total of 391 patients (247 male) aged 18 to 77 years (mean age 54.9±10.1 years) with atrial fibrillation (AF) were examined. All patients underwent catheter ablation, including pulmonary veins isolation and ablation of the lines in the back wall, roof of the left atrium, and the mitral isthmus. According to the results of our study, the long-term efficacy was 83.3% in patients with paroxysmal AF and about 72.4% in patients with persistent AF. Maintaining the sinus rhythm significantly reduced the risk of stroke (including fatal stroke) as compared with single anticoagulation therapy during the heart rate control strategy.