Abstract: . . .  atrial fibrillation . There is insufficient evidence in the published medical literature, however, to demonstrate the safety, efficacy and long term outcomes of this procedure. Summary Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of stroke, syncope, myocardial infarction and death. When pharmacological treatment and electrical cardioversion are unsuccessful in converting persistent atrial fibrillation , surgical options may be considered. The Maze procedure has been demonstrated to be effective in eliminating atrial fibrillation in a high percentage of patients, but is highly complex and associated with high postoperative morbidity. Less invasive alternatives have therefore . . .
. . .  results. Heart Surg Forum. 2003;6(5):409-11. Page 4 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 Page 5 Page 5 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 15. Wisser W, Khazen C, Deviatko E, Stix G, Binder T, Seitelberger R, Schmidinger H, Wolner E. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation yield similar success rates for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation . Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2004 Jun;25(6):1011-7.  . . .
. . .  2003;6(5):409-11. Page 4 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 Page 5 Page 5 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 15. Wisser W, Khazen C, Deviatko E, Stix G, Binder T, Seitelberger R, Schmidinger H, Wolner E. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation yield similar success rates for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation . Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2004 Jun;25(6):1011-7.  . . .
. . .  2003;6(5):409-11. Page 4 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 Page 5 Page 5 of 5 Coverage Position Number: 0423 15. Wisser W, Khazen C, Deviatko E, Stix G, Binder T, Seitelberger R, Schmidinger H, Wolner E. Microwave and radiofrequency ablation yield similar success rates for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation . Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2004 Jun;25(6):1011-7.  . . .
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