Minimally Invasive Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
What is Atrial fibrillation?
Atrialfibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common irregular heart rhythm in theUnited States. Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm originating inthe atria (top chambers of the heart).
Insteadof the impulse traveling in an orderly fashion through the heart, many impulsesbegin simultaneously and spread through the atria, causing a rapid anddisorganized heartbeat.
Atone time, atrial fibrillation was thought to be a harmless annoyance. However,atrial fibrillation is now recognized as a dangerous condition. Atrialfibrillation doubles the risk of death. It also increases the risk of strokefive to seven times compared to a person without atrial fibrillation. Inaddition, atrial fibrillation may cause congestive heart failure and uncomfortablesymptoms related to a rapid heart rate.
About the Cox-Maze Procedure (also known asMaze Procedure)
TheCox-Maze procedure (also known as Maze procedure) is a surgical treatment foratrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Certainpatients with isolated atrial fibrillation, especially continuous atrialfibrillation and/or enlarged atria, are candidates for the Maze procedure. TheMaze procedure can treat the atrial fibrillation and restore the atria to amore normal size.
