AtriCure Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subject is greater than or equal to 18 years of age

2. Subject has history of permanent atrial fibrillation as defined by the ACC/AHA/ESCGuidelines

3. Subject is scheduled to undergo elective on-pump cardiac surgical procedure(s) for oneor more of the following:

• Mitral valve repair or replacement

• Aortic valve repair or replacement

• Tricuspid valve repair or replacement

• Coronary Artery Bypass procedures

• Atrial Septal Defect Repair

• Patent Foramen Ovale closure

4. Subject's Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ≥ 30%

5. Subject is able and willing to provide written informed consent and comply with studyrequirements

6. Subject has life expectancy of at least 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Stand alone AF without indication(s) for concomitant CABG, valve surgery, ASD repair,or PFO closure

2. Previous cardiac ablation including catheter ablation, AV-nodal ablation, or surgicalMaze procedure

3. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

4. Prior cardiac surgery (Redo)

5. Class IV NYHA heart failure symptoms

6. Prior history of cerebrovascular accidents within 6 months or at any time if there isresidual neurological deficit

7. Documented MI within 6 weeks prior to study enrollment

8. Need for emergent cardiac surgery (i.e. cardiogenic shock)

9. Known carotid artery stenosis greater than 80%

10. LA size greater than or equal to 8cm

11. Current diagnosis of active systemic infection

12. Severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease defined as claudication with minimalexertion

13. Pregnancy or desire to get pregnant within 12-months of the study enrollment

14. Preoperative need for an intra-aortic balloon pump or intravenous inotropes

15. Renal failure requiring dialysis or hepatic failure

16. Requires anti-arrhythmic drug therapy for the treatment of a ventricular arrhythmia

17. Therapy resulting in compromised tissue integrity including: thoracic radiation,chemotherapy, long term treatment with oral or injected steroids, or known connectivetissue disorders