The maze procedure uses cryotherapy, radiofrequency
ablation, microwaves, ultrasound, or small incisions in order to create scar
tissue across the right and left atriums. This blocks the flow of electrical impulses
and forces them to travel in a maze-like pattern through the heart and to the
ventricles. This procedure is often performed during coronary artery bypass
grafting or heart valve repair, but can be performed on its own.
Also
Known As:
- Atrium surgery
- Heart surgery
- Maze heart
surgery
Conditions
Treated with the Maze Procedure:
The maze procedure may be performed in cases of
atrial fibrillation.
Non-surgical alternatives to the maze procedure
include lifestyle changes, beta blockers and blood thinners. Surgical
alternatives to the procedure include implantable cardioverter defibrillator
and minimally invasive maze surgery.
Anesthesia
with the Maze Procedure:
The maze procedure is performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from the Maze Procedure:
Possible risks following the maze procedure include
infection, bleeding, scarring, blood clots and a negative reaction to the
anesthesia.
Prognosis
after the Maze Procedure:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
the maze procedure is good.
Recovery
from the Maze Procedure:
Total recovery from the maze procedure
takes six to eight weeks.
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