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Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased mortality risk. The Cox-maze IV procedure (CM4) performed concomitantly with other cardiac procedures has been shown to be effective for restoring sinus rhythm. However, few data have been published on the late survival of patients undergoing a concomitant CM4. Methods Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were retrospectively reviewed from 2001 to 2016 (n = 10,859). Patients were stratified into 3 groups: patients with a history of AF receiving a concomitant CM4 (CM4; n = 438), patients with a history of AF unaddressed during surgery (Untreated AF; n = 1510), and patients without AF history (No AF; n = 8911). Propensity score matching was conducted between the CM4 and Untreated AF groups, and between the CM4 and No AF groups. Results Thirty-day mortality was similar between the matched groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed greater survival for CM4 compared to Untreated AF ( P = .004). Ten-year survival was 62% for CM4 and 42% for Untreated AF. Adjusted hazard ratio was 0.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.86, P = .014). No difference in survival was found between CM4 and No AF groups with the Kaplan–Meier analysis ( P = .847). Ten-year survival was 63% for CM4 and 55% for No AF. Adjusted hazard ratio was 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.51-2.11, P = .929). Conclusions For selected patients with a history of AF undergoing cardiac surgery, concomitant CM4 did not add significantly to postoperative morbidity or mortality and was associated with improved late survival compared with patients with untreated AF and a similar survival to patients without a history of AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine whether the etiology of mitral valve disease (MVD), due to either rheumatic or degenerative pathology, influences long-term outcomes after the Cox-Maze IV procedure (CMPIV). Methods Between February 2001 and July 2015, 245 patients received a CMIV and concomitant mitral valve procedure. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts based on their etiology of MVD, degenerative (n = 153) and rheumatic (n = 92). Patients were followed prospectively (mean follow-up: 41 ± 37 months) for recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs). Perioperative variables and long-term freedom from ATAs on and off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) were analyzed retrospectively. Results The 2 groups differed in that patients with rheumatic MVD were younger, more likely female, had a larger preoperative left atrial diameter, a longer duration of atrial fibrillation (AF), a greater percentage of longstanding persistent AF, and worse New York Heart Association functional class ( P ≤ .001). Although there was no difference in operative mortality or overall major complications between the groups, the median length of stay in the intensive care unit was longer in the rheumatic cohort. Freedom from recurrent ATAs through 5 years was similar between the 2 cohorts. Predictors of recurrence included failure to use a box-lesion ( P = .012), the duration of preoperative AF ( P = .001), and early occurrence of ATAs ( P = .015). Conclusions The long-term efficacy of the CMPIV in restoring sinus rhythm was similar in patients with either rheumatic or degenerative mitral valve disease. Despite representing a sicker patient population with a longer duration of preoperative AF, patients with rheumatic MVD equally benefit from the CMPIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiac surgery do not receive concomitant ablation. This study reviewed outcomes of patients with AF undergoing Cox-maze IV (CMIV) procedure with radiofrequency and cryoablation and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at our institution. Methods Between the introduction of radiofrequency ablation in 2002 and 2015, 135 patients underwent left- or biatrial CMIV with CABG. Patients undergoing other cardiac procedures, except mitral valve repair, or who had emergent, reoperative, or off-pump procedures were excluded. Eighty-three patients remained in the study group after exclusion criteria were applied. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) was ascertained using electrocardiogram, Holter monitor, or pacemaker interrogation at 1 to 5 years postoperatively. Results Operative mortality was 3%. Freedom from ATAs at 1 year in the CMIV group was 98%, with 88% off antiarrhythmia drugs. Freedom from ATAs and antiarrhythmia drugs was 70% at 5 years. Conclusions The addition of CMIV to CABG resulted in excellent freedom from ATAs at 1 to 5 years. These patients are at increased risk for nonfatal complications compared with others undergoing concomitant surgical ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery remains a common complication that has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study implemented Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria to evaluate renal outcomes after concomitant surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation. Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation who underwent elective cardiac surgery at our institution from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Those with preoperative renal dysfunction were excluded. Patients were classified as those who underwent concomitant Cox-Maze IV (CMP-IV) (n = 376) or no surgical ablation (n = 498). Nearest neighbor 1:1 propensity matching was conducted on fourteen covariates. AKI was evaluated by mixed effects logistic regression analysis. Long-term survival was evaluated by proportional hazards regression. Propensity matching yielded 308 patients in each group (n = 616). All preoperative variables were similar between groups. The concomitant CMP-IV group had a greater incidence of AKI: 32% (n = 99) versus 16% (n = 49), P <.001. After accounting for bypass time and nonablation operations on mixed effects analysis, concomitant CMP-IV was associated with increased risk of AKI (odds ratio, 1.89; confidence interval, 1.12-3.18; P =.017). While AKI was associated with decreased late survival (P <.001), patients who received a concomitant CMP-IV maintained superior 7-year survival to patients who received no ablation (P <.001). No patients required permanent dialysis. Concomitant CMP-IV was independently associated with increased risk of AKI in the acute postoperative period. However, the long-term risks of AKI were offset by the significant survival benefit of CMP-IV. Concerns regarding new-onset renal dysfunction should not prohibit recommendation of this procedure in appropriate patients. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stand-alone surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation is indicated in patients with refractory atrial fibrillation who have failed medical or catheter-based ablation. Few reports of late outcomes after stand-alone surgical ablation exist using comprehensive follow-up with strict definitions of success. This study examined our late outcomes of the stand-alone Cox-Maze IV procedure. Between January 2003 and December 2019, 236 patients underwent a stand-alone Cox-Maze IV for refractory atrial fibrillation. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was assessed by electrocardiography, Holter, or pacemaker interrogation for up to 10 years, with a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 3.5 years. Rhythm outcomes were compared in multiple subgroups. Factors associated with recurrence were determined using Fine-Gray regression, allowing for death as the competing risk. The majority of patients (176/236, 75%) had nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation. Median duration of preoperative atrial fibrillation was 6.2 years (interquartile range, 3-11). Fifty-nine percent of patients (140/236) failed 1 or more prior catheter-based ablation. Thirteen patients (6%) experienced a major complication. There was no 30-day mortality. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias was 94% (187/199), 89% (81/91), and 77% (24/31) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. There was no difference in freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias between patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation versus nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (P >. 05) or those undergoing sternotomy versus a minimally invasive approach (P >. 05). Increased left atrial size and number of catheter ablations were associated with late atrial fibrillation recurrence. For patients who experienced any atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence, the median number of recurrences was 1.5 (1.0-3.0). The stand-alone Cox-Maze IV had excellent late efficacy at maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with symptomatic, refractory atrial fibrillation, with low morbidity and no mortality. The Cox-Maze IV, in contrast to catheter-based ablation, was equally effective in patients with paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation. Overview of study design including total number of study patients undergoing stand-alone CMP-IV procedure with full box lesion set for symptomatic AF (n = 236). Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: paroxysmal AF (n = 60) and nonparoxysmal AF (n = 176). Primary outcome was incidence of first ATA recurrence. Stand-alone CMP-IV had excellent results at late follow-up, with low morbidity and no mortality. By competing-risk analysis, there was no difference in the incidence of first ATA recurrence between patients with paroxysmal and nonparoxysmal AF, and patients who underwent median sternotomy and RMT. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The Cox maze IV procedure has the best results for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. It has been traditionally performed through sternotomy with excellent outcomes, but this has been considered to be too invasive. An alternative approach is to perform a less invasive right anterolateral minithoracotomy. This series compared these approaches at a single center in consecutive patients. Methods Patients undergoing a Cox maze IV procedure (n = 356) were retrospectively reviewed from January 2002 to February 2014. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: right minithoracotomy (RMT; n = 104) and sternotomy (ST; n = 252). Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared as well as long-term outcomes. Patients were followed up for 2 years and rhythm was confirmed with an electrocardiogram or prolonged monitoring. Results Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias off antiarrhythmic drugs was 81% and 74% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, using an RMT approach and was not significantly different from the ST group at these same time points. The overall complication rate was lower in the RMT group (6% vs 13%, P = .044) as was 30-day morality (0% vs 4%, P = .039). Median length of stay in the intensive care unit was lower in the RMT group than in the ST group (2 days [range, 0-21 days] vs 3 days [range, 1-61 days]; P = .004) as was median hospital length of stay (7 days [range, 4-35 days] vs 9 days [range, 1-111 days]; P < .001). Conclusions The Cox maze IV procedure performed through a right minithoracotomy is as effective as sternotomy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This approach was associated with fewer complications, decreased mortality and decreased length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reducing hospital readmissions after adult cardiac surgery is necessary as part of the solution to achieving improved efficiency in health care. Patients who had undergone cardiac surgery were studied to develop strategies that may diminish the need for hospital readmission. Methods: Over a 25-month period, 2096 patients underwent cardiac surgical procedures; 102 of these patients required readmission within 30 days of discharge. Time-matched patients (n = 249), not readmitted, served as a control group. Patient demographics and perioperative variables were analyzed by univariate analyses. Logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for readmission. Results: The most common diagnoses given for readmission were congestive heart failure (26 of 102, 25%), infection (23 of 102, 23%), and arrhythmias (15 of 102, 15%). The comorbidities more prevalent among readmitted patients were diminished ejection fraction (44% ± 17% vs 56% ± 13%; P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23 of 102, 23% vs 23 of 249, 9%; P = .0008) and chronic renal insufficiency (26 of 102, 26% vs 24 of 249, 10%; P = .0001). Multivariate logistic regression identified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; P = .05), diminished ejection fraction (OR, 0.8; P < .0001), a lower education level (OR, 0.5; P = .0001), and a prolonged length of stay (OR, 1.6; P = .009) as predictive of readmission. Failure to see a physician early in the postoperative period was associated with a 6-fold increase in the risk of readmission (P < .0001). Conclusions: Patients readmitted after cardiac surgery have specific comorbidities and are of lower socioeconomic status. They are admitted most commonly for exacerbation of congestive heart failure or infectious reasons. This study suggests that seeing a physician early after discharge may have an impact on reducing readmissions after cardiac surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: More than 50% of atrial fibrillation surgery occurs in the setting of mitral valve surgery. Despite this, no risk models have been validated for concomitant arrhythmia surgery. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the additional risk of performing the Cox-maze IV procedure for patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods: From January 2002 to June 2011, 213 patients with mitral valve disease and preoperative atrial fibrillation underwent mitral valve surgery only (n = 109) or in conjunction with a Cox-maze IV procedure (n = 104). The operative mortality for the mitral valve procedure alone was predicted for each group using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons perioperative risk calculator. The risk attributed to the added Cox-maze IV procedure was calculated by comparing the predicted mortality rate of an isolated mitral valve procedure and the actual mortality rate of mitral valve surgery with a concomitant Cox-maze IV procedure. Results: For patients not undergoing a Cox-maze IV procedure, the predicted and actual postoperative mortality rate was 5.5% and 4.6% (5 of 109), respectively. For patients receiving mitral valve surgery and a concomitant Cox-maze IV, the predicted and actual postoperative mortality of the mitral valve procedure was 2.5% and 2.9% (3 of 104), respectively, and not significantly different. Patients not offered a Cox-maze IV procedure had significantly more serious comorbidities. Conclusions: For patients with atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease undergoing mitral valve surgery, the decision to offer a concomitant Cox-maze IV procedure will be influenced by the underlying comorbid conditions. Nonetheless, in selected lower risk patients, the addition of a Cox-maze IV procedure did not significantly affect the procedural mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is indicated both in patients with AF undergoing concomitant cardiac surgery and in those who have not responded to medical and/or catheter-based ablation therapy. This study examined our long-term outcomes following the Cox-Maze IV procedure (CMP-IV). Between May 2003 and March 2018, 853 patients underwent either biatrial CMP-IV (n = 765) or a left-sided CMP-IV (n = 88) lesion set with complete isolation of the posterior left atrium. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) was assessed for up to 10 years. Rhythm outcomes were compared in multiple subgroups. Predictors of recurrence were determined using Fine–Gray regression, allowing for death as the competing risk. The majority of patients (513/853, 60%) had nonparoxysmal AF. Twenty-four percent of patients (201/853) had not responded to at least 1 catheter-based ablation. Prolonged monitoring was used in 76% (647/853) of patients during their follow-up. Freedom from ATA was 92% (552/598), 84% (213/253), and 77% (67/87) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. By competing risk analysis, incidence of first ATA recurrence was 11%, 23%, and 35% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. On Fine–Gray regression, age, peripheral vascular disease, nonparoxysmal AF, left atrial size, early postoperative ATAs, and absence of sinus rhythm at discharge were the predictors of first ATA recurrence over 10 years of follow-up. The CMP-IV had an excellent long-term efficacy at maintaining sinus rhythm. At late follow-up, the results of the CMP-IV remained superior to those reported for catheter ablation and other forms of surgical ablation for AF. Age, left atrial size, and nonparoxysmal AF were the most relevant predictors of late recurrence. Overview of study design including total number of study patients undergoing elective Cox-Maze IV procedure with full box Lesion set for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (n = 853). Primary outcome was incidence of first ATA recurrence. By competing risk analysis, the estimated incidence of first ATA recurrence was 11%, 18%, 23%, 30%, and 35% at 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years, respectively. At 10 years, the survival in those who remained in sinus rhythm was 84% vs 77% in those who experienced at least 1 ATA recurrence (log-rank test, P =.03). Overall, the CMP-IV had excellent efficacy at maintaining sinus rhythm during the 10 years of follow-up. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Heart Rhythm Society, European Heart Rhythm Association, and European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society jointly recommend indefinite warfarin anticoagulation in patients with CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, and stroke) score of at least 2 who have undergone ablation for atrial fibrillation. This study determined the impact of CHADS2 score on risk of late stroke or transient ischemic attack after the performance of a surgical Cox maze procedure. Methods: A retrospective review of 433 patients who underwent a Cox maze procedure at our institution was conducted. Three months after surgery, warfarin was discontinued regardless of CHADS2 score if the patient showed no evidence of atrial fibrillation, was off antiarrhythmic medications, and had no other indication for anticoagulation. A follow-up questionnaire was used to determine whether any neurologic event had occurred since surgery. Results: Follow-up was obtained for 90% of the study group (389/433) at a mean of 6.6 ± 5.0 years. Among these patients, 32% (125/389) had a CHADS2 score of at least 2, of whom only 40% (51/125) remained on long-term warfarin after surgery. Six patients had late neurologic events (annualized risk of 0.2%). Neither CHADS2 score nor warfarin anticoagulation was significantly associated with the occurrence of late neurologic events. Among the individual CHADS2 criteria, both diabetes mellitus and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack were predictive of late neurologic events. Conclusions: The risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack in patients after a surgical Cox maze procedure was low and not associated with CHADS2 score or warfarin use. Given the known risks of warfarin, we recommend discontinuation of anticoagulation 3 months after the procedure if the patient has no evidence of atrial fibrillation, has discontinued antiarrhythmic medications, and is without any other indication for systemic anticoagulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The Cox maze III procedure achieved high cure rates and became the surgical gold standard for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Because of its invasiveness, a more simplified ablation-assisted procedure, the Cox maze IV procedure, has been performed at our institution since January 2002. The study examined multiple preoperative and perioperative variables to determine predictors of late recurrence. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on 282 patients who underwent the Cox maze IV procedure from January 2002 through December 2009. Forty-two percent of patients had paroxysmal and 58% had either persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. All patients were available for follow-up. Follow-up included electrocardiograms in all patients. Since 2006, 24-hour Holter monitoring was obtained in 94% of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed by means of logistic regression analysis at 12 months, with 13 preoperative and perioperative variables used as covariates. Results: Sixty-six percent of patients had a concomitant procedure. After an ablation-assisted Cox maze procedure, the freedom from atrial fibrillation was 89%, 93%, and 89% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The freedom from both atrial fibrillation and antiarrhythmic drugs was 63%, 79%, and 78% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence at 1 year were enlarged left atrial diameter (P = .027), failure to isolate the entire posterior left atrium (P = .022), and early atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = .010). Conclusions: The Cox maze IV procedure has a high success rate at 1 year, even with improved follow-up and stricter definitions of failure. In patients with large left atria, there might be a need for more extensive size reduction or expanded lesion sets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients older than 75 years of age is expected to increase, and its treatment remains challenging. This study evaluated the impact of age on the outcomes of surgical ablation of AF. A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent the Cox-maze IV procedure at a single institution between 2005 and 2017. The patients were divided into a younger (age <75 years, n = 548) and an elderly cohort (age ≥75 years, n = 148). Rhythm outcomes were assessed at 1 year and annually thereafter. Predictors of first atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence were determined using Fine–Gray regression, allowing for death as the competing risk. The mean age of the elderly group was 78.5 ± 2.8 years. The majority of patients (423/696, 61%) had nonparoxysmal AF. The elderly patients had a lower body mass index (P <.001) and greater rates of hypertension (P =.011), previous myocardial infarction (P =.017), heart failure (P <.001), and preoperative pacemaker (P =.008). Postoperatively, the elderly group had a greater rate of overall major complications (23% vs 14%, P =.017) and 30-day mortality (6% vs 2%, P =.026). The percent freedom from ATAs and antiarrhythmic drugs was lower in the elderly patients at 3 (69% vs 82%, P =.030) and 4 years (65% vs 79%, P =.043). By competing risk analysis, the incidence of first ATA recurrence was greater in elderly patients (33% vs 20% at 5 years; Gray test, P =.005). On Fine–Gray regression adjusted for clinically relevant covariates, increasing age was identified as a predictor of ATAs recurrence (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.05, P <.001). The efficacy of the Cox-maze IV procedure was worse in elderly patients; however, the majority of patients remained free of ATAs at 5 years. The lower success rate in these greater-risk patients should be considered when deciding to perform surgical ablation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical significance of postoperative delirium (PD) in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Method Between 2010 and 2013, 427 patients underwent TAVR (n = 168) or SAVR (n = 259) and were screened for PD using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. The incidence of PD in both treatment groups was determined and its association with morbidity and mortality was retrospectively compared. Results PD occurred in 135 patients (32%) with a similar incidence between SAVR (33% [86 out of 259]) and TAVR (29% [49 out of 168]) ( P = .40). TAVR by transfemoral approach had the lowest incidence of PD compared with SAVR (18% vs 33%; P = .025) or TAVR when performed by alternative access techniques (18% vs 35%; P = .02). Delirium was associated with longer initial intensive care unit stay (70 vs 27 hours), intensive care unit readmission (10% [14 out of 135] vs 2% [6 out of 292]), and longer hospital stay (8 vs 6 days) ( P < .001 for all). PD was associated with increased mortality at 30 days (7% vs 1%; P < .001) and 1 year (21% vs 8%; P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, PD remained associated with increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.75-5.23; P < .001). There was no interaction between PD and aortic valve replacement approach with respect to 1-year mortality ( P = .12). Among propensity-matched patients (n = 170), SAVR-treated patients had a higher incidence of PD than TAVR-treated patients (51% vs 29%; P = .004). Conclusions PD occurs commonly after SAVR and TAVR and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Given the high incidence of PD and its associated adverse outcomes, further studies are needed to minimize PD and potentially improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To determine the role of preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) evaluated for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and to evaluate the association between lung disease and mortality in specific subgroups. Methods Between 2008 and 2013, 535 patients with preoperative PFTs underwent AVR (transcatheter AVR [TAVR], n = 246; surgical AVR [SAVR], n = 289). The severity of lung disease determined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) definition was evaluated in those with and without a clinical suspicion for lung disease (smoking, inhaled steroids/bronchodilators, or home oxygen). The association between lung disease and 1-year mortality was evaluated. Results Of the 186 patients (35%) without suspected lung disease, 39 (21%) had moderate/severe lung disease by PFT analysis. Among all patients, 1-year mortality was 12% in those with no lung disease, 17% in those with no mild lung disease, 22% in those with moderate lung disease, and 31% in those with severe lung disease ( P < .001, log-rank test). After adjustment, moderate/severe lung disease was associated with increased 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.29; P = .002); this association was not altered by smoking history, suspicion of lung disease, New York Heart Association class, or AVR type (interaction P value nonsignificant for all). Conclusions In patients with AS evaluated for AVR, the STS risk score is significantly influenced by the severity of lung disease, which is determined predominantly by PFT results. Even when lung disease is not suspected, PFTs are abnormal in many patients undergoing AVR. Moderate/severe lung disease, diagnosed predominantly by PFTs, is an independent predictor of mortality after SAVR or TAVR. Collectively, these findings suggest that PFTs should be a routine part of the risk stratification of patients considered for AVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The Cox maze IV procedure (CMPIV) has been established as the gold standard for surgical ablation; however, late outcomes using current consensus definitions of treatment failure have not been well described. To compare to reported outcomes of catheter-based ablation, we report our institutional outcomes of patients who underwent a left-sided or biatrial CMPIV at 5 years of follow-up. Methods Between January 2002 and September 2014, data were collected prospectively on 576 patients with AF who underwent a CMPIV (n = 532) or left-sided CMPIV (n = 44). Perioperative variables and long-term freedom from AF, with and without AADs, were compared in multiple subgroups. Results Follow-up at any time point was 89%. At 5 years, overall freedom from AF was 93 of 119 (78%), and freedom from AF off AADs was 77 of 177 (66%). No differences were found in freedom from AF, with or without AADs, at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years for patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 204) versus with persistent/longstanding persistent AF (n = 305), or for those who underwent standalone versus a concomitant CMP. Duration of preoperative AF and hospital length of stay were the best predictors of failure at 5 years. Conclusions The outcomes of the CMPIV remain good at late follow-up. The type of preoperative AF or the addition of a concomitant procedure did not affect late success. The results of the CMPIV remain superior to those reported for catheter ablation and other forms of surgical AF ablation, especially for patients with persistent or longstanding AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The introduction of new technologies has shifted some resident index procedures to nonsurgical specialists. We examined the operative case volume of thoracic surgery residents during the last 6 years to objectively identify changes and trends. Methods: Program and resident data from 2002 to 2007 were entered into a database and analyzed. Program match information was obtained from the National Resident Matching Program. Resident operative experience and board examination results were obtained from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Results: A total of 795 residents qualified for the written American Board of Thoracic Surgery examination; 627 residents graduated from 2-year programs, and 168 residents graduated from 3-year programs. The total number of resident cases was higher in 3-year programs compared with 2-year programs in all 10 index categories studied (P < .01). The total volume of cases has not significantly increased in 2-year programs. The volume of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries decreased in every resident program model studied. The volume of general thoracic cases increased in all program models. Two-year, 2-resident programs had the lowest volume in 5 of the 10 categories, reaching significance in 3 categories. The written board pass rate was lower among 2-year programs than among 3-year programs (86% vs 95%, respectively, P = .003). Conclusion: Training programs have so far weathered the storm by maintaining index volume with a new case mix, but significant trends in revascularization procedures are concerning. This study indicates a significant advantage in case volume and board pass rates among 3-year programs. Thoracic residency programs should be reorganized so that the number of residents does not exceed the capacity of the program to provide a meaningful experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]