Staged transthoracic approach

Project objectives

Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by multiple different electrophysiological induction mechanisms. This heterogeneity underlies the low success rate of individual ablation procedures and the high rate of AF recurrence. Surgical ablation performed through bilateral thoracotomy has so far shown the best results among single procedures. Prospective studies conducted in non-homogeneous populations without a control group have reported a 90% success rate after hybrid or staged procedures (surgical ablation + catheter ablation). The purpose of this trial is to test the hypothesis that a staged approach, characterized by initial minimally invasive surgical ablation of persistent AF, followed by a second percutaneous procedure in the event of recurrence, has a higher degree of success than repeated cutaneous procedures.

Start and end date

January 2015 - December 2016

Project Manager

Prof. Massimo Chello – Extraordinary Professor

Coordinating institution of the project

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart – Rome

Other Institutions involved

Magna Graecia University - Catanzaro

Funding source(s).

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart – Rome