The CryoMaze procedure for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery

Objective: To evaluate the results of CryoMaze procedure for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.

Methods: Cryoablation was performed in 22 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing heart valve surgery in 2022-2023. All patients underwent biatrial ablation procedure.

Results: In-hospital postoperative period was characterized by frequent paroxysms AF and atrial flutter (50%), AF persistence in 8 patients (36%), stable sinus rhythm in 3 patients (14%) and temporary pacing in more than 50% of cases. Implantation of permanent pacemaker was necessary in two patients (9%). Mean follow-up period was 10.2±3.7 months. Considering additional therapy (drug therapy, electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation), we can emphasize high percentage of sinus rhythm recovery outside the «blind period» after biatrial CryoMaze procedure (16 (73%) patients). At the same time, catheter ablation can increase the effectiveness of CryoMaze procedure.