The DEEP procedure utilizes the specialized skills of both the cardiovascular surgeon and electrophysiologist for more severe cases of AFib, which have historically been the most difficult patients to treat.

"It is important to understand that currently patients with persistent or long-standing AFib don't have a viable alternative for treatment," says Ali Khoynezhad, M.D., director, aortic and arrhythmia surgery, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center, and one of the three lead principal investigators for the trial. "The success rate of catheter ablation in persistent or long-standing AFib patients is around 30 - 40 percent, and if they undergo multiple catheter ablation procedures it can come up to 50 - 60 percent."

This DEEP trial can help confirm that the hybrid atrial fibrillation approach is ideal for someone who has persistent or long-standing AFib and should be considered as a treatment option. By incorporating an electrophysiology cardiologist's input and expertise along with that of a cardiovascular surgeon, the patient benefits from the strength of a minimally invasive surgical approach and a catheter ablation.

Up to 220 patients will be enrolled at up to 30 hospitals. Currently, more than 65 patients have been treated in the trial.