Predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after biatrial cryo-maze procedure: a systematic review

Today, the issue of atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation is increasingly discussed in the literature. Many authors analyze the factors predicting success or failure of cryo-maze procedure. This review is devoted to predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence in long-term period after biatrial cryo-maze procedure. Primary screening identified 48 studies. There were 27 articles after removing duplicate articles, case reports and articles with unavailable full-text versions. Two independent researchers reviewed the full-text articles and enrolled 11 and 14 articles, respectively. After collegial discussion and involving the third researcher, we selected 13 articles for final analysis. It was established that atrial enlargement and duration of atrial fibrillation are the main independent predictors of recurrence in long-term period.