Rationale for Minimally Invasive Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Partial Autonomic Denervation for Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

We seek to demonstrate the rationale of a minimally invasive surgical approach to the treatment of atrial fibrillation which combines pulmonary vein antral isolation with targeted partial autonomic denervation. The literature supporting the rationale of this approach is reviewed. There is evidence-based literature that supports both pulmonary vein electrical isolation and targeted partial autonomic denervation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. These techniques can be combined in a minimally invasive surgical approach.