Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation
Surgery Overview
The maze procedure is a surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. The surgeon can use small incisions, radio waves, freezing, or microwave or ultrasound energy to create scar tissue. The scar tissue, which does not conduct electrical activity, blocks the abnormal electrical signals causing the arrhythmia. The scar tissue directs electric signals through a controlled path, or maze, to the lower heart chambers (ventricles).
The maze procedure is usually done during open-heart surgery. The maze procedure can stop atrial fibrillation in most people.1 But because of the risks involved with open-heart surgery, this procedure is used only in people who have severe symptoms and do not respond to medicine or other treatment. This surgery may also be done with less invasive techniques, but this type of surgery is still experimental.
The maze procedure is frequently performed with other necessary cardiac surgery, such as coronary artery bypass and valve repair or replacement.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: December 18, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology |
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