ISMIC 2004 Commentary summaries Dr Wolfenden

1
What are the take home messages from ISMICS for
the surgeon interested in surgical control of
ablation?

• There has been a dramatic effect of new
  technology on this field and it has allowed us to
  replace incisions with lines of ablation
• Surgical ablation has gone from a very difficult,
  time-consuming procedure to an operation that can
  be easily performed by any surgeon and is widely
  applicable to a broad range of patients
• Groups from around the world using various energy
  sources have been able to get anywhere from
  70-90 effectiveness in restoring sinus rhythm in
  groups of patients that previously would have had
  no operation.
• Its an exciting field that has changed
  dramatically over the last 5 years and is a good
  example of partnership between industry and
  practicing surgeons

2
What is your impression of Cryotherapy and the
new Frostbite device?

• Cryo surgery is the oldest energy source that
  weve used for arrhythmia ablation
• Cryo ablation was initially popular and has
  remained popular because it gives dense and
  homogenous scars with an incredible safety
  profile
• It is the only energy source that preserves
  preserves the structural integrity of tissue
  while prohibiting any conduction
• We continue to use cryosurgery today as an
  adjunct to ablation procedures with other energy
  sources because of its safety profile
• Early data from over the last year with the new
  argon-based technology has shown some excellent
  success rates
• Cryosurgery can adequately replace surgical
  incisions, as can other energy sources
• Well all be waiting as further data continues to
  come in