Minimally invasive maze procedure

Minimally invasive maze procedure: Minimally invasive maze procedure is surgery to treat atrial fibrillation using small incisions, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, microwaves, or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to create scar tissue across the heart tissue; the normal flow of electrical impulses is blocked and forced to travel in a precise pattern (like a maze) through the heart to the ventricles. Unlike the open maze procedure that requires a sternotomy, several small incisions are made through the ribs to access the heart.

Diseases And Conditions Treated: Minimally invasive maze procedure

These diseases and conditions may be treated with the surgical procedure Minimally invasive maze procedure:

Atrial fibrillation

Non-Surgical Options: Minimally invasive maze procedure

These non-surgical medical options may be possible alternative treatments to performing Minimally invasive maze procedure:

Beta blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents)
Blood thinner (anticoagulant)
Lifestyle changes

Other Surgical Options: Minimally invasive maze procedure

Surgical procedure options to consider as an alternative for Minimally invasive maze procedure may include these surgeries:

Open maze surgery for atrial fibrillation
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Robotic-assisted maze procedure

Anesthetic Requirements for Minimally invasive maze procedure

These surgical anesthetic requirements for the procedure Minimally invasive maze procedure may include:

General anesthesia

Procedure Complications: Minimally invasive maze procedure

Possible surgical complications of Minimally invasive maze procedure may include:

Bleeding
Infection
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Blood clots
Scarring

Prognosis for a Good Outcome: Minimally invasive maze procedure

The prognosis for a good medical outcome: The maze procedure has a 95% success rate. Patients with remaining atrial fibrillation may respond better to medication than individuals without maze surgery.