[Maze Surgery Using the General-purpose Cryosurgical Unit 'Freeze Stick M'].

Abstract

Background: Maze surgery for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increasingly utilized disposable cryoablation and radiofrequency devices. However, reusable ablation devices are preferred for reducing healthcare costs. At our department, the general-purpose cryosurgical unit "Freeze Stick M" has been used for maze surgery and intercostal nerve block during left thoracotomy, effectively minimizing postoperative pain.

Patients and methods: Between August 2016 and July 2024, 44 patients underwent arrhythmia surgery for AF (36 chronic AF, 8 paroxysmal AF). The mean age was 71.9±7.6 years, with 66% males. Surgical procedures included biatrial maze (25 cases), pulmonary vein isolation (16 cases), left atrial maze (2 cases), and right atrial maze (1 case), all with left atrial appendage closure. Outcomes were compared between the SIM group( Freeze Stick M) and AC group( AtriCure).

Results: The 30-day mortality rate was 2.3%. Postoperative survival was 90.0% at 1 year, 81.0% at 3 and 5 years, and 67.5% at 7 years. AF-free rates at discharge were 76.2%( SIM) vs. 73.9%( AC). For chronic AF, AF-free rates at 5 years were 41.9%( SIM) vs. 38.5%( AC)(p=0.168).

Conclusion: The general-purpose cryosurgical unit "Freeze Stick M" performed similarly to the Atri-Cure device as a lesion-creation device.