Is there still a role for the classical Cox-Maze III?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The incidence of surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF) is rising, paralleled by an increase in the types of lesion sets and energy sources used. These alternate energy sources have simplified the surgery at the expense of increased cost of consumables. The classical Cox-Maze III is the gold standard therapy with a proven efficacy in curing AF. Our complete experience with this procedure is presented. METHODS: All 28 patients undergoing the classical Cox-Maze III procedure at our institution underwent preoperative assessment and were followed prospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent the Cox-Maze III procedure between January 2001 and May 2003. Their mean age was 65 y..