Determining Whether You Are a Candidate For the Maze Procedure

Maze procedure is performed to address atrial fibrillation (or afib). Afib is a condition in which electrical impulses generated by your sinus node does not take its normal route through the AV node. Instead, they follow an alternative route, which prevents uniform sinus rhythm. As a result, the winning run in the atrium is uncertain.

Doctors can perform the Maze operation run electrical impulses along a defined route. This is achieved by creating scar tissue in his left and courtyards. This can be done through a traditional thoracotomy or minimally invasive approach. This article will describe the factors involved in determining if you are a good candidate for the Maze procedure.

Need Surgery?

It is worth noting that not all cases of atrial fibrillation require surgery. In some cases, especially those in which the symptoms are mild, your doctor will often prescribe medications. If the medications prove ineffective, the treatment strategy is called cardioversion may be used.

In the event that you decide surgery is an option, your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate. An increasing number of surgeons have adopted the minimally invasive techniques, a trend that has made ​​the maze surgery a safe option for many patients. However, since many hospitals continue to perform open-chest surgical ablation, we will describe the factors related to a candidate for an open maze.

Describing Your surgeon will take into consideration the

Your surgeon is more likely to consider candidates if medications do not reduce your symptoms, or are you able to take blood thinners. Also, let your surgeon know if you are already scheduled for another open chest surgery, such as valve repair or coronary artery bypass. Much of the risk associated with performing this type of surgery because of the opening of the chest, cutting through the sternum, ribs and expansion. Your Surgeon May be willing to perform ablation, if you are already undergoing open chest surgery.

Some medical factors may eliminate you as a candidate. If you are morbidly obese or suffer from similar serious medical condition, your surgeon may not want to do a Maze operation. While age is generally not a factor, your doctor will consider it if there are other health problems.

Tests to confirm their candidacy

When your surgeon decided that it might be a good candidate for the Maze procedure, he will order a series of tests. You will have to undergo a medical examination, computed tomography (CT), and electrocardiogram (ECG). doctor will also take X-rays of your chest in order to identify any obvious problems that pose a risk. Finally, you'll pass the test stress test the strength of your heart.

Since the minimally invasive techniques that place a far lower risk than open-chest surgical ablation Maze, criteria for candidacy is lower. Talk to your doctor and surgeon to determine the appropriate timegiven the the situation .