Prognosis for recovery of sinus node function in patients after long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation surgery

The aim of the study was to develop and implement the patient selection algorithm for surgical treatment of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation. The algorithm enabled to decrease probability of permanent cardiac pacing in postoperative period and was based on the initial sinus node function by using the originally designed method in these patients. The results showed that the use of this algorithm for selection of patients provides a way to significantly reduce the probability of pacemaker implantation in the postoperative period.