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Mechanisms of human atrial fibrillation: Lessons learned from 20 years of atrial fibrillation surgery

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Abstract

The Cox-Maze procedure was introduced 20 years ago and has become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Data recorded during surgery and catheter ablations have provided new insights into the mechanisms of human atrial fibrillation. These data, plus the results of surgical and catheter ablation, suggest a patient-specific approach to the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8234–3308 CSRB, 660 South Euclid, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Richard B. Schuessler & Ralph J. Damiano Jr.

  2. Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA

    Richard B. Schuessler & Ralph J. Damiano Jr.

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  1. Richard B. Schuessler
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  2. Ralph J. Damiano Jr.
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Correspondence to Richard B. Schuessler.

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Supported by: NIH R01 032257-21

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Schuessler, R.B., Damiano, R.J. Mechanisms of human atrial fibrillation: Lessons learned from 20 years of atrial fibrillation surgery. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 20, 59–64 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-007-9175-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-007-9175-0

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