Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

After blunt dissection of the oblique and transverse sinus, an AtriCure Lumitip Dissector was introduced around the pulmonary veins. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved with an AtriCure Isolator Synergy ablation clamp around the pulmonary vein antrum at least six times for each side. Ganglionated plexus identification and ablation were performed using an AtriCure Synergy ablation pen. The additional superior and inferior ablation lines connecting the bilateral pulmonary vein isolations were created by applying the AtriCure Synergy ablation pen. Following completion of the ablation on the right side, ablation on the left side was accomplished in a similar manner. The ligament of Marshall was dissected by electrical cautery. Conduction block was confirmed upon completion of the ablation procedure on the left side.