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Maze Procedure

Surgery Overview

The maze procedure is a surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. It can also be called a surgical ablation.

The surgeon can use small incisions, radio waves, freezing, or microwave or ultrasound energy to create scar tissue. The scar tissue doesn't conduct electrical activity. It blocks the abnormal electrical signals that cause the arrhythmia. The scar tissue directs electric signals through a controlled path, or maze, to the lower heart chambers (ventricles).

The maze procedure can be done in different ways. It may be done through small cuts in the chest. Or it may be done during open-heart surgery.

The maze procedure may be done if a person is having another heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass and valve repair or replacement.

Current as of: October 2, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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