Comparison results of concomitant Maze III procedure and radiofrequency ablation in patients with heart valve disease

Aim of the study was comparative analysis of the "cut and sew" Maze III and radiofrequency (RF) Maze IV modification. From 2004 to 2011 a complete bi-atrial Maze concomitant procedure was performed in 182 patients with valve disease. Patients were divided into two groups: group I was performed the Maze III procedure, the II group underwent RF ablation by using the same regimen with bipolar electrode (Maze IV). Most of the patients had long-lasting AF. Statistically there were no significant differences in demographic and clinical para-meters between the groups. The time of"cut and sew" procedure performance was significantly longer than time of radiofrequency ablation. Sinus node dysfunction with further necessity of permanent pacemaker implantation occurred more frequently in case of Maze III procedure. Based on 3 year observation Maze III procedure demonstrated higher AF freedom level in comparison with Maze IV with comparable results of cerebral events.