• Feasibility of performing the operation by demonstrating the ability to consistently isolate the left and right pulmonary veins and to confirm conduction block across the roof, anterior and LAA linear lesions. [ Time Frame: Perioperative ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  
• The primary safety endpoint will be determined by assessing the rate of serious adverse events. [ Time Frame: Discharge/30 Days ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]
  

Device: AtriCure Bipolar System
Surgical ablation using the AtriCure Bipolar System

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient between 18 and 80 years of age

2. Patient with documented symptomatic persistent or permanent AF and failure or intolerance of one or more Class I or Class III antiarrhythmic drugs.

   • Persistent AF: AF that is not self-terminating or is terminated electrically or pharmacologically.
   • Longstanding AF: Persistent AF of 12 months (or longer) duration.
   • Permanent AF: Longstanding AF in which electrical or pharmacological cardioversion has failed or has not been attempted.
3. Patient is willing and able to provide written informed consent.
4. Patient has a life expectancy of at least 2 years.
5. Patient is willing and able to attend the scheduled follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior cardiac catheter ablation for the treatment of arrhythmia within 4 months.
2. Patients who refuse, but have not failed and can tolerate anti-arrhythmic medications
3. Myocardial infarction within 8 weeks.
4. Prior cardiac surgery.
5. Patient requires cardiac surgery for treatment other than for AF.
6. Class IV NYHA heart failure symptoms, unless due to uncontrolled AF
7. Cerebrovascular accident within previous 6 months
8. Known carotid artery stenosis greater than 80%
9. Evidence of significant active infection
10. Patient unable to undergo TEE
11. Pregnant woman
12. Patient requires anti-arrhythmic drug therapy for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmia
13. Presence of thrombus in the left atrium
14. Co-morbid condition that in the opinion of the investigator poses undue risk of general anesthesia or port access cardiac surgery
15. Patient is enrolled in another cardiac clinical trial
16. Left ventricular ejection fraction < 30%
17. Left atrial transverse diameter >6.0
18. Patient has undergone previous thoracic targeted radiation