How does maze surgery work?
The maze procedure is the surgical ablation approach with the greatest long-term success in treating atrial fibrillation. The maze procedure includes creation of lines of conduction block (scar tissue) that block the abnormal impulses that cause atrial fibrillation, enabling restoration of normal sinus rhythm.
What is maze heart surgery?
Maze is a surgical procedure used to treat atrial fibrillation. A doctor creates a pattern of scar tissue (the maze) in the upper chambers of the heart by applying heat or cold. Or, the doctor uses a scalpel to make several precise incisions. This method is more complex and takes longer.
Is maze open-heart surgery?
Traditionally, the Maze procedure is done as part of an open-heart surgery assisted with a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass). Instead of making cuts, doctors can use radiofrequency energy or freeze the tissue to disrupt the abnormal signals.
Who created the Maze procedure?
Louis, developed the “maze” or “Cox maze” procedure, an “open-heart” cardiac surgery procedure intended to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). The first such procedure was performed by Dr. Cox at St. Louis’ Barnes Hospital—now Barnes-Jewish Hospital—in 1987.
What happens after Watchman procedure?
Following the WATCHMAN procedure, you’ll take blood thinners for 45 days or until your LAA is permanently closed off. During this time, heart tissue will grow over the implant to form a barrier against blood clots.
What are the dangers of having AFib?
Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
What is the definition of maze procedure?
The Maze Procedure is an open-heart surgery in which incisions are made in the atrium to divide the area into smaller sections to prevent the communication of chaotic signals.
What is a medical maze procedure?
The maze procedure is a type of heart surgery used to fix a condition that involves an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation . The surgical procedure involves creating scar tissue at strategic locations around the heart.
What is maze heart procedure?
A maze procedure is a surgery used to control atrial fibrillation, or “a-fib,” a heart condition where the heart rhythm is irregular. If it can’t be controlled by medication or other treatments, a maze procedure may be an appropriate treatment. It gets this name from the linear scars left on the heart’s chambers post-surgery, like a maze.
What is modified maze procedure?
The modified maze procedure is a popular and safer method to rectify atrial fibrillation. The surgeon inserts a catheter into the heart through which he delivers radiofrequency waves, microwaves, laser impulses or cryothermy (freezing methods) to destroy the electrical pathways between the abnormal tissue and the heart.