Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * History of non-paroxysmal AF (persistent or longstanding persistent) * Concomitant indication for non-emergent open-heart surgery, eg, 1. Coronary artery bypass grafting 2. Valve repair or replacement * Able to take the anticoagulant warfarin or novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) Exclusion Criteria: * Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome * New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class = IV * Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ≤ 30% * Need for emergent cardiac surgery (ie, cardiogenic shock) or redo open heart surgery * Previous AF ablation, atrioventricular (AV) -nodal ablation, or surgical Maze procedure * Contraindication for anticoagulation therapy * Left atrial diameter \> 6.0 cm * Preoperative need for an intra-aortic balloon pump or intravenous inotropes * Renal failure requiring dialysis or hepatic failure * Life expectancy of less than 1 year * Predicted risk of operative mortality \>10% as assessed by STS Risk Calculator * Pregnancy or desire to be pregnant within 12 months of the study treatment * Current diagnosis of active systemic infection * Active endocarditis * Documented MI 30 days prior to study enrollment * Current or planned participation in an investigational or observational drug or device trial related to the treatment of atrial arrhythmias