A Hybrid Minimally Invasive Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Procedure Using Unilateral Thoracoscopy and Endocardial Pulsed Field Ablation: An Early Feasibility Study

(1) Objective: To examine the efficiency and efficacy of using endovascular mapping and pulsed field ablation in the setting of a hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure. (2) Methods: Eleven consecutive patients underwent hybrid video-assisted thoracoscopic epicardial ablation and left atrial appendage exclusion followed by endocardial ablation using pulsed field ablation energy. The completeness of epicardial and endocardial lesion sets were assessed using 3D electro-anatomical mapping. (3) Results: Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion and durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and posterior wall isolation (PWI) were achieved in all patients. The endovascular part of the necessary lesion set using PFA energy was successful in 100% of the patients. All patients remained in SR during the 12-month follow-up period. (4) Conclusions: Our study confirms the feasibility of using endovascular pulsed field ablation to complete previously performed epicardial lesion sets during the hybrid AF ablation procedures, without extending the procedure time or increasing the risk of complications.