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New Technology

A New Vacuum-Assisted Probe for Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency Ablation

^a Adult Cardiac Surgery Department, Heart Hospital G. Pasquinucci, G. Monasterio Foundation, National Research Council, Massa, Italy
^b Adult Cardiology Department, Heart Hospital G. Pasquinucci, G. Monasterio Foundation, National Research Council, Massa, Italy

Accepted for publication April 9, 2009.

^_* Address correspondence to Dr Bevilacqua, Adult Cardiac Surgery Department, Heart Hospital G. Pasquinucci, G. Monasterio Foundation, via Aurelia Sud, Massa, 54100, Italy (Email: bevilacqua{at}ifc.cnr.it).

Purpose: The Cobra Adhere XL (Estech, San Ramon, CA) is a multiple-electrode, temperature-controlled, monopolar radiofrequency probe with a vacuum-assisted stabilization system. We evaluated this new technology for epicardial ablation of atrial fibrillation in mitral valve patients through a right mini-thoracotomy.

Description: Between June and August 2008, 12 patients underwent minimal invasive surgery for mitral disease and ablation for atrial fibrillation with the Cobra Adhere XL (Estech). Three patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Off-pump pulmonary vein isolation was performed with an epicardial oval lesion parallel to the mitral plane. In 10 patients, an endocardial lesion to the mitral annulus was added.

Evaluation: There were no operative deaths or major postoperative complications. At a mean follow-up of 8.76 ± 1.0 months, 11 patients (91.67%) were in stable sinus rhythm. Echocardiography underscored a complete recovery of atrial transport function in most of these patients (90.91%). No major cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred during follow-up.

Conclusions: Left-side ablation combined with minimally invasive surgery for mitral disease can be easily, safely, and effectively performed with the Cobra Adhere XL probe.