Change of the Left Atrial Dimension and Transport Function after the Cox-Maze Procedure for Treating Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Mitral Valve Disease: the Short-term and Mid-Term Results

Kim, Hwan Wook; Lee, Jae Won; Cho, Won Chul; Jung, Sung Ho; Choo, Suk Jung; Song, Hyun; Chung, Cheol Hyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although the high efficiency of conversion into sinus rhythm has been demonstrated after performing the Cox-Maze procedure in patients with atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease, the changes in the mechanical function and size of the left atrium have not been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Maze procedure on the left atrial size and contractile transport function. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From July 1997 to July 2008, 647 consecutive patients were operated on for chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. Among these, 211 patients that (1) were able to be followed up for 2 years after surgery, (2) had sustained normal sinus rhythm, regardless of whether they were taking anti-arrhythmic medications and (3) did not have valvular regurgitation greater than grade III or they did not have moderate grade valvular stenosis were selected for evaluation. The left atrial size and contractile transport function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography at the postoperative base line (1 year) and at regular follow-up periods (2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 6 year). RESULT: The left atrial dimension was increased and the contractile transport function was decreased during the follow-up period. The longer the follow-up period, the greater was the statistical significance of the left atrial size increase and contractile transport function decrease.
CONCLUSION
In patients who sustain normal sinus rhythm conversion after a Maze III procedure with a mitral valve operation, there is a gradual increase of the left atrial dimensions and a decrease of contractile transport function during the follow-up period. Therefore, scrupulous follow-up is needed for these patients.