Maze Surgery
The Maze procedure, also called the Cox-Maze procedure, is a minimally invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation is the most common irregular heart rhythm, and it originates in the atria(upper chambers of the heart). Atrial fibrillation is a fast, irregular heart rhythm where the upper chambers of the heart contract in an uncoordinated fashion. Atrial fibrillation is dangerous because it causes blood to accumulate in these chambers.Blood clots can form as a result of the pooled blood. A stroke can occur when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain and blocks a small artery.
Maze surgery cures atrial fibrillation by forming a "maze" of new electrical pathways that allow electrical impulses to easily travel through the heart. If medications or other treatments are ineffective, your cardiothoracic vascular surgeon will recommend maze surgery.