Endocardial atrial ablation using the Edwards optimaze laser probe to treat atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Laser ablation of atrial fibrillation using diffusing tip technology provides a rapid and safe way of creating lesions in the atrium. The isolated left atrial procedure described has been performed in as little as 4 minutes. In a small clinical pilot study, 8 of 9 patients were in sinus rhythm at 3 months and 8 of 8 in sinus at 6 months without any device-related complications. This technology is simple to use and appears to facilitate this operation. The energy source is particularly encouraging in that it provides very controlled heating of the tissue while creating effective lesions. This will be particularly relevant as the device is modified for epicardial applications.