Atrial fíbrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the population and its prevalence is inereasing due to the aging of patients and social-civilization processes as well. Although pharmacological treatment is still the first line of therapy, it is not sufficiently effective, mainly in patients with chronic atrial fíbrillation. The-refore, development of non-pharmacological treatment has been very dynamic in the last decade. It is main¬ly represented by catheter ablation and open heart treatment - MAZE proceduře. Surgical treatment for chronic forms of atrial fíbrillation is the most effective proceduře. Recent years háve seen the gradual development of modifications to the MAZE proceduře utilising diffe-rent energy sources (radiofrequency, cryoenergy, ultrasound, microwaves, laser) with inereasing safety and efficacy, and which háve also helped reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures. This article summarizes the status of surgical treatment of atrial fíbrillation in the world and in the Czech Republic.

        Key words: atrial fíbrillation, MAZE proceduře, non-pharmacological treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.