Atrial fibrillation（AF），known as a common supraventricular arrhythmia with substantial morbidity，has become an increas－ingly serious problem all over the world. The surgical approach to treat atrial fibrillation has had great advances in the past few years. New technologies have allowed the creation of transmural lesions on a beating heart through alternative，less-invasive incisions. It should be routinely proposed in most patients with permanent or paroxysmal AF undergoing cardiac surgery. Surgical ablation for lone atrial fibrillation can now be successful performed utilizing minimally invasive techniques. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the hybrid approach and total robotic cardiac surgery are efficient，especially in patients with long-standing persistent and persistent lone AF.
