Abstract
Background
This study presents the early and midterm outcomes of combining atrial fibrillation
(AF) treatment with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) at our center.
Methods
From January 2017 to June 2022, our center treated a total of 86 patients with both
MIMVS and surgical AF ablation. The patient cohort included 62 women (72.1%) and 24
men (27.9%). The average EuroScore II was 2.64 ± 1.49%, and the patients were followed
up for an average period of 46.31 ± 9.84 months.
Results
Postoperatively, 95.3% of patients experienced a change in sinus rhythm, and 86.2%
were discharged in sinus rhythm. The hospital's mortality rate was 2.3%, with a late
mortality rate of 3.5%. Survival analysis revealed an atrial fibrillation–free 5-year
follow-up rate of 59.1 ± 9.1%. The 5-year survival rate was 92.7 ± 3.3%.
Conclusion
Our 5-year experience demonstrates that the combination of MIMVS and surgical AF ablation
can be routinely performed with favorable peri- and postoperative outcomes. This reflects
our hospital's culture and guidance on patient selection, particularly when adopting
minimally invasive approaches for multiple procedures.
Keywords atrial fibrillation - ablation surgery - minimally invasive mitral valve surgery -
hospital culture
