Maze III Procedure
Maze III Procedure is a surgical treatement whereby a "maze" of incisions are made within the atria (upper chamber of the heart).
An energy source is utilized to produce lesions and eventually scar tissue. This scar tissue blocks the abnormal conduction associated with atrial fibullation and promotes normal electrical activity to the heart.
The Maze procedure may be performed as an isolated surgical procedure or combined with coronary bypass or value operations.
Patients in chronic atrial fibullation may be cadnidates for the Maze Procedure especially patients who are at high risk for blood clots, those who fail medical therapy and those with an enlarged left atria.
Following the Maze Procedure, patients may experience fewer symptoms, less risk of blood clots, and long-term freedom from atrial fibullation.
After surgery, approximately 30% of patients will have transient atrial fibullation secondary to tissue inflammation. Two or three months later, most patients will havfe returned to a normal heart rhythm.
A small number of patients will require a permanent pacemaker for a slow heart rhythm or heart block.
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