Novel Technique for Box-Lesion Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Combined with Off-Pump Coronary Surgery

INTRODUCTION: We propose a new technique for box-lesion ablation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease and paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Eight male patients with paroxysmal (n=2) or persistent atrial fibrillation (n=6) and coronary artery disease underwent box-lesion ablation combined with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Box-lesion ablation was performed using a bipolar flexible clamping device with irrigated electrodes which was originally designed for thoracoscopic epicardial ablation. RESULTS: Complete revascularization was performed in all patients. There were no deaths or major complications. At a median follow-up of 14 months, seven patients (87.5%) were in sinus rhythm. CONCLUSION: Box-lesion ablation can be easily and effectively combined with coronary artery surgery in an off-pump setting.