In order for the heart to beat, it receives electrical stimulation or signals that starts in the atria or upper chambers of the heart and then travel down to the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is defined as chaotic or abnormal electrical signals or pathways in the atria resulting in an irregular heartbeat. The irregular heartbeat does not allow the atria to contract or squeeze normally, rather the atria quiver decreasing the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.
Surgery to cure atrial fibrillation is routinely performed at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation by cardiac surgeons Patrick M. McCarthy, MD and Richard Lee, MD. The Maze procedure is regarded as the "gold standard" to provide the most effective cure for atrial fibrillation.
Surgery for atrial fibrillation is an option for individuals with:
The Maze procedure is an effective surgical treatment that creates
electrical blocks or barriers in the upper heart chambers (atria),
forcing electrical impulses that stimulate the heartbeat to travel to
the lower chambers (ventricles). Like a maze puzzle, abnormal
electrical signals are forced to move along one path, in one direction,
to the lower chambers, restoring the heart rhythm and the pumping of
blood to normal.
The
original Maze procedure, first performed in 1987, created "blocks"
through carefully placed incisions that were then sewn back together.
The incisions generated scar tissue that served as the barrier.
Since
that time, the Maze procedure has evolved. Physicians are continually
discovering new sources of energy to create these lines of scar in the
heart. These new tools shorten the procedure time, making it easier to
perform this surgery with other heart operations. In some cases, the
scar lines may be placed without using a heart-lung machine.
Depending
on the type of atrial fibrillation surgery your surgeon performs, you
will receive either an incision down the middle of the chest
(sternotomy), or small incisions on the sides of the chest
(thoracotomy). Your physician will discuss the Maze procedure that best
matches your particular surgical needs.
During atrial
fibrillation, blood clots may form inside the heart, most often in the
left atrial appendage - a small pocket of tissue in the left atria. If the blood
clot breaks free, the clot can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
Removing a clot from the atrial appendage reduces stroke risk. Please note: this video may be graphic in nature.
Risk
Every
surgery carries some risk. The amount depends on such factors as your
age and overall health. In some cases, a pacemaker or other procedures
may be needed. Your surgeon will discuss individual risks with you.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Because
atrial fibrillation is a complex disease, the Center for Atrial
Fibrillation offers a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and
treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. After carefully
reviewing the patient's medical history and cardiac evaluation, the
surgeons will discuss their recommendations for surgical treatment
options with the patient and the patient's referring physician and/or
cardiologist. Incorporating the patient's referring physician and/or
cardiologist into the delivery of care is highly endorsed and practiced
by the Center for Atrial Fibrillation.
Clinical Research
Clinical research trials
at the Center for Atrial Fibrillation focus on understanding the
factors that predispose patients to atrial fibrillation and in
developing new, less invasive means of treating atrial fibrillation.
The Center for Atrial Fibrillation also incorporates the collection of
data on each patient treated surgically for atrial fibrillation with
the Maze procedure into a clinical database that evaluates the
long-term effects of this surgical procedure. This collection of data
allows for accurate evaluation of treatment outcomes so that the Center
for Atrial Fibrillation can continue to provide the best treatment
options to patients.
Contact
For more information regarding surgery for atrial fibrillation call the Center for Atrial Fibrillation at (866) 662-8467, or request an appointment online.
Visit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center and Alberto Culver Women's Health Learning Center. These state-of-the-art health information libraries are among the largest hospital-based learning facilities of their kind. For more information call (312) 926-5465.
Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation
Mitral Valve Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Review Date: 08/07
