Methods

We retrospectively studied a total of 81 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation who underwent open cardiac surgery with concomitant RF ablation between January 2007 and March 2011. Fifty-eight patients received bipolar RF ablation and 23 received monopolar RF ablation

respectively. The sinus rhythm restoration rate

the procedural duration

the frequency of severe perioperative complications

and mortality were compared between the two groups.

Results

The sinus rhythm restoration rate did not differ significantly between the two groups after follow-up of 15.1 ± 12.6 months (P=0.199). The frequencies of severe perioperative complications and mortality were also similar in the two groups. The total procedural time using bipolar RF ablation was significantly shorter than that using monopolar ablation (19.7±4.6 minutes vs. 28.1±8.5 minutes

P

<

0.001).

Conclusions

Both monopolar and bipolar RF ablation are safe and effective in treating chronic atrial fibrillation patients during open cardiac surgery

but bipolar RF ablation is more convenient in practice.