Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of irregular heartbeat that can cause several symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, and may lead to complications such as blood clots and stroke. The maze procedure is an operation that can treat AFib by creating scars in a maze pattern that block abnormal signals that cause the irregular heartbeat[1][5]. The procedure is successful in treating AFib in 60%–70% of patients, who can often stop taking blood thinners several months after the procedure[5].
Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation Overview
The maze procedure or Cox-maze IV procedure is a heart surgery that creates scar tissue in a maze pattern that blocks abnormal signals that cause AFib[1]. The procedure can be done using two methods:
- Sternotomy method: a 6- to 8-inch vertical cut down your sternum bone in your chest where your left and right ribs come together.
- Thoracoscopic method: a cut between your ribs[1].
The maze procedure returns your heart rhythm to normal and is an option for people with AFib when:
- Medicines don’t work or you can’t take them.
- Blood clots (such as strokes) happen.
- You’re already having surgery for another heart issue (like bypass or valve surgery) and you have AFib as well.
- Catheter ablation didn’t work[1].
Cox-Maze Procedure
The Cox-Maze procedure is a type of maze procedure that corrects AFib in 90% of patients[4]. The procedure is named after Dr. James Cox, who developed it in the 1980s[2]. The procedure involves creating a series of incisions in the atria of the heart and then sewing them back together in a maze-like pattern[2]. The incisions create scar tissue that blocks the abnormal electrical signals that cause AFib[2].
Effects of the Maze Operation on Health-Related Quality of Life
Maze surgery for AFib is a curative therapy that can improve health-related quality of life[3]. A study published in the AHA Journals found that patients who underwent the maze procedure had significant improvements in their quality of life, including physical functioning, general health, and vitality[3].
How do I get ready for a maze procedure?
To make sure you are healthy enough for this open-heart surgery, you may need some tests, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram[5]. Your doctor will help you decide whether the procedure or another option is right for you[5].
In summary, the maze procedure is a heart surgery that can treat AFib by creating scars in a maze pattern that block abnormal signals that cause the irregular heartbeat. The procedure is successful in treating AFib in 60%–70% of patients, who can often stop taking blood thinners several months after the procedure. The Cox-Maze procedure is a type of maze procedure that corrects AFib in 90% of patients. The procedure involves creating a series of incisions in the atria of the heart and then sewing them back together in a maze-like pattern. The maze procedure can improve health-related quality of life. To make sure you are healthy enough for this open-heart surgery, you may need some tests, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram.
Citations:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17086-heart-surgery-for-atrial-fibrillation-maze
[2] https://www.premera.com/medicalpolicies/7.01.587.pdf
[3] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.CIR.101.22.2607
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043067900700141
[5] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/atrial-fibrillation-surgery
[6] https://youtube.com/watch?v=JTHc9BSfStw