Surgical Ablation

Anyone have experience with surgical (mini-maze) type of ablations in the last couple of years?  I am considering having this technique done to remedy my paroxysmal AFib.  I haven't had many AFib episodes, but I have a PFO that needs to be closed, and once that is done, it is very difficult to do a catheter ablation.  If I have increasing AFib after the PFO closure, then I will need to ablate via the surgical means.  Anyone?

[Cleveland Clinic]

The most logical choice would be to have the SF ablation performed before the closure of the PFO. But it is still possible to cross the fossa ovalis after the procedure, but the position of the catheter may be limited in access to the posterior wall. I do not recommend a surgical approach alone, because this almost never results in complete pulmonary vein isolation ( especially in the anterior portion of the veins).

[denalidon]

From reading about and visiting two thoracic surgeons recently, Dr. John Sirak (Ohio State University Hospital) and Dr. Robert Hagberg (Beth Israel Hospital, Boston), they are completing these ablations surgically with complete isolation of the PVI, plus over 85% success rate (success being defined by no Atrial Fibrillation, Flutter, ar VT for over 12-18 months and off medication after 6 months).  Their patient population have been typically persistent or permanent AFib individuals????

[denalidon]

Thanks for your response!  

[Joed131]

A related discussion, Differnce was started.