Atrial Fibrillation

Surgery

The maze procedure, a surgery to correct atrial fibrillation, may be an option. Usually medications and catheter ablation are tried before surgery is considered. However, you may be a candidate for this surgery, especially if you are already having heart surgery for another reason, such as mitral valve replacement or coronary artery bypass surgery. If this is the case, the maze procedure can be done at the same time.

The maze procedure involves creating scar tissue that blocks excess electrical impulses from traveling through your heart. It usually requires open-heart surgery, but less invasive surgical methods are being developed.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: January 18, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Laurence Epstein, MD - Cardiac Electrophysiologist
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