RF Safe

Maze III replication using radiofrequency microbipolar coagulation.

Heart, lung & circulation · 2004 · Benefit · Insufficient evidence

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BenefitInsufficient evidencePaper 3634

In 84 patients undergoing the procedure concomitantly with valve surgery, sinus rhythm was restored in 86%. The authors conclude that radiofrequency energy in microbipolar mode is safe, effective, and easily reproducible, though cure rate is less than Cox's M…

Study snapshot

PublicationHeart, lung & circulation · 2004
Study typeother
Reported directionBenefit
Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The major concerns about the Cox's Maze III procedure have been the long bypass and cross-clamp times involved. We have developed a technique using microbipolar coagulation to duplicate most of the incisions described in the Maze III procedure. TECHNIQUE: This procedure is performed using standard hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and cold sanguineous hyperkalemic arrest. The left atrial Maze is performed using microbipolar coagulation following repair or following valve excision, prior to replacement. Cryolesions are used instead of radiofrequency at the mitral annulus to avoid injury to the circumflex coronary artery. Valve replacement is then done and the left atriotomies are closed. After rewarming, adequate deairing and removal of the aortic cross-clamp, the right atrial procedure is performed using microbipolar coagulation except ends of the radiofrequency lesion lines at the tricuspid annulus, where cryolesions are used. The rest of the surgery proceeds as usual. We used this procedure concomitantly with valve surgery in 84 patients. Sinus rhythm was restored in 86% of them. CONCLUSIONS: The use of radiofrequency energy in the microbipolar mode is safe and effective. The technique is easily reproducible and the tools involved are inexpensive and readily available. Although the cure rate is less compared to Cox's Maze III procedure and there is an attrition rate, sinus rhythm and atrial mechanical function is restored in the majority and with brief additional operative time.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother
Effect directionbenefit
PopulationPatients undergoing concomitant valve surgery (Maze procedure replication)
Sample size84
ExposureNot supplied
Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 66% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In 84 patients undergoing the procedure concomitantly with valve surgery, sinus rhythm was restored in 86%. The authors conclude that radiofrequency energy in microbipolar mode is safe, effective, and easily reproducible, though cure rate is less than Cox's Maze III and there is an attrition rate.

Outcomes measured

  • Restoration of sinus rhythm
  • Safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency microbipolar coagulation technique
  • Atrial mechanical function restoration

Limitations

  • No study design details provided (e.g., control/comparator group not described)
  • No follow-up duration reported
  • No quantitative safety/adverse event data reported
  • Radiofrequency exposure parameters (frequency, dose) not reported
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "radiofrequency microbipolar coagulation (surgical ablation)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Patients undergoing concomitant valve surgery (Maze procedure replication)",
  "sample_size": 84,
  "outcomes": [
    "Restoration of sinus rhythm",
    "Safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency microbipolar coagulation technique",
    "Atrial mechanical function restoration"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In 84 patients undergoing the procedure concomitantly with valve surgery, sinus rhythm was restored in 86%. The authors conclude that radiofrequency energy in microbipolar mode is safe, effective, and easily reproducible, though cure rate is less than Cox's Maze III and there is an attrition rate.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "No study design details provided (e.g., control/comparator group not described)",
    "No follow-up duration reported",
    "No quantitative safety/adverse event data reported",
    "Radiofrequency exposure parameters (frequency, dose) not reported"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.66,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "Maze III",
    "Cox Maze",
    "radiofrequency",
    "microbipolar coagulation",
    "cardiac surgery",
    "atrial fibrillation",
    "valve surgery",
    "cryolesions"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2004.02.007
PubMed: 16352184

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