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