Abstract
Background: Maze procedure can be performed surgically with radiofrecuency, generating transmural ablation lines. Here we report our experience.Methods: In 85 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in established permanent atrial fibrillation, a biauricular pattern of epicardic?endocardic maze lesions was performed.Results: 72.9% patients presented postoperative supraventricular arrhythmia. Hospitalary mortality consisted of 5 patients ( 5,8%) After a 12,5 month mean follow-up, two patients died. Forteen % of the patients remained with their previous atrial fibrillation and 85.9% recovered and maintained sinus rhythm, two patients having a permanent pacemarker. Echocardiography has found biauricular contraction in 65% of them. After analysis of data, factors involved in postoperative recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrecuency surgery were, period of time of atrial fibrillation (p < 0,01) and pre and postoperative left auricle volume (p < 0,04 ).Conclusions: Intraoperative radiofrecuency has permitted us to perform Maze procedure in a simple way, with a low surgical morbi-mortality. We have obtained an 85.9% electrographic effectiveness and a 65% recovery of atrial contraction.

Key words
Fibrilación Aurícular, Cirugía

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