A Step-By-Step Tour Through The Mini-Maze Procedure
Atrial fibrillation(also called AF or AFib) is a condition in which the upper chambers of your heart (i.e. atria) fibrillate. It afflicts over 2 million people in the U.S. and places them at risk of blood clots and stroke. There are different categories of AFib that are defined by the victim’s symptoms. For example, paroxysmal AF comes and goes, but the symptoms typically subside within a week. By contrast, longstanding persistent AFib is defined as lasting longer than one year.

An open chest maze procedure can be used to resolve longstanding persistent AF that is accompanied with valvular disorders. Open surgery requires the breastbone to be split and the heart stopped. However, if you are suffering from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and do not have valvular problems, a mini-maze procedure can be used. This article will explain the operation and describe the steps involved.

How The Minimaze Is Performed

The minimaze is a minimally invasive operation that does not require a long incision into your chest. Nor does the cardiothoracic surgeon need to split your breastbone or stop your heart. Instead, the surgeon begins by making tiny incisions between your ribs. The incisions are usually 2 cm. or less. A longer incision (approximately 6 cm.) is made under your armpit.

The surgeon gains access to your heart and atria by inserting surgical instruments through the incisions. A thoracoscope with a camera affixed on its end is also inserted. The camera delivers images to a video monitor. The images guide the surgeon as he performs the mini-maze procedure.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm that is caused by chaotic electrical impulses. The goal of the minimaze is to isolate and control those impulses. This is done by creating a maze of scar tissue. The operation requires an ablation device that is used to create the scar tissue in the wall of the atria. Because the damaged tissue cannot conduct electricity, it forms a pathway along which the electrical signals must travel. As a result, the victim’s heart rhythm is regulated and AFib is resolved.

During the operation, the surgeon will remove – or place a clamp onto – the left atrial appendage. This is the area in which clots usually form. Removing it reduces the likelihood that stroke will present in the future. The surgeon will also remove the ligament of Marshall. This is a portion of a vein that was necessary in order to develop fully within the womb, but is all but useless as an adult.

Because the minimaze procedure does not require the surgical team to cut through the patient’s sternum or stop his or her heart, the operation requires less time to perform. Moreover, the patient’s recovery time is shorter and there is generally much less pain following the procedure.

Related posts:

  1. What You Can Expect After Undergoing The Atrial Maze Procedure
  2. What Is The Maze Procedure?
  3. Surgical Techniques Used During An Atrial Maze Procedure
  4. Potential Lifestyle Changes After Undergoing A Maze Procedure
  5. Overview Of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery