[The Long Outcome of the Left Atrial Appendage Preserving Maze Procedure]

Abstract

We retrospectively study the outcome of left atrial appendage (LAA) preserving maze procedure, focus on thrombus formation in left atrium( LA), postoperative stroke, and LA function.

Patients and methods: We studied 131 patients (mean age, 68.2y;77 men and 54 women) who underwent maze procedure for atrial fibrillation( Af) between 2008 and 2020. Full maze was performed for 116 patients with long-standing persistent Af or persistent Af. Pulmonary vein isolation alone was performed for 15 patients with paroxysmal Af. The mean follow-up period was 2.9( 10.1-0.4) years.

Results: In perioperative results, there were no death, cerebral infarction, and reoperation in this series. At discharge, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years after the surgery, sinus rhythm was maintained in 92%, 87%, 83%, 77%. Pacemaker was implanted in 8( early 3, late 5) patients. Despite adequate anticoagulant therapy, one patient developed cerebral infarction a month postoperatively. In other patients, there was no cerebral infarction in short-term nor long-term.

Conclusions: The LAA preserving maze procedure was not a risk factor of cerebral infarction under appropriate medication. However, close follow-up is essential.