Medtronic Terminate AF Study

This trial is studying whether a surgical procedure to correct an abnormal heart rhythm (called non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, or persistent AF) done at the same time as open-heart surgery for another reason (like bypass or valve repair) can restore normal rhythm and reduce the need for blood thinners. **You may be eligible if...** - You have persistent or longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat that does not go away on its own) - You already need non-emergency open-heart surgery for another reason, such as bypass surgery or a heart valve procedure - You are able to take blood-thinning medications (warfarin or NOACs) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (an abnormal electrical pathway in the heart) - Your heart failure is in the most severe category (NYHA Class IV) - Your heart's pumping strength is severely reduced (ejection fraction 30% or below) - You need emergency heart surgery - You have previously had AF ablation, AV node ablation, or a surgical Maze procedure - You cannot take blood-thinning medications - Your left atrium (a heart chamber) is larger than 6 cm - You have kidney failure requiring dialysis or liver failure - You are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within 12 months Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.