Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robotically assisted, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery combined with left atrial reduction for mitral valve surgery and elimination of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Eleven patients with severe mitral regurgitation, AF, and left atrial enlargement who underwent robotic, minimally invasive surgery between May 2013 and March 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The da Vinci robotic system was used in all procedures. The patients' demographic data, electrocardiography (ECG) findings, and pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiography findings were analyzed. During follow up ECG was performed at postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months additionally at the 3rd month trans thoracic echocardiography was performed and functional capacity was also evaluated for all patients. RESULTS: All patients underwent robotic-assisted mitral valve surgery with radiofrequency ablation and left atrial reduction. Mean age was 45.76±16.61 years; 7 patients were male and 4 were female. Preoperatively, mean left atrial volume index (LAVI) was 69.55±4.87 mL/m2, ejection fraction (EF) was 54.62±8.27%, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was 45.75±9.42 mmHg. Postoperatively, in hospital evaluation LAVI decreased to 48.01±4.91 mL/m2 (P=0.008), EF to 50.63±10.13% (P>0.05), and PAP to 39.02±3.11 mmHg (P=0.012). AF was eliminated in 8 (72%) of the 11 patients at the 1st postoperative month. There were significant improvements in functional capacity and no mortality during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Left atrial reduction and radiofrequency ablation concomitant with robotically assisted minimally invasive mitral valve surgery can be performed safely and effectively to eliminate AF and prevent recurrence.