Randomized study of surgical isolation of the pulmonary veins for correction of permanent atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease.

The modified Cox maze procedure and surgical pulmonary vein isolation were similarly effective in restoring sinus or regular rhythm in permanent atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease. These results favor the adoption of surgical isolation as a preferable technique, simpler and equally effective in controlling atrial fibrillation. The results also can bring further information for understanding the mechanisms involved in origins and treatment of chronic permanent atrial fibrillation.