 |
 |
 |
The Closed Chest Mini Maze
Although it's the most common cardiac arrhythmia, Afib is a unique irregular heartbeat in that it affects the upper chambers of your heart. It occurs when abnormal electrical impulses generated in the left atrium cause the atria to contract in an uncoordinated fashion, which then affects the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart). Ultimately, the entire heart is compromised. A minimally invasive Surgical Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias known as the Closed Chest Mini Maze seeks to cure atrial fibrillation – something it's successful in doing almost 90% of the time – by blocking the abnormal electrical impulses responsible for triggering AF.
Dr. James Longoria at Sacramento Cardiovascular Surgeons has conducted the Closed Chest Mini Maze since October 2004. Call today to schedule a consultation at 916-452-8291 or toll free at 877-452-8291.
What You Need to Know About The Closed Chest Mini Maze
Based on the original and very successful Cox Maze III sternotomy procedure that required a scalpel to make incisions into the heart, the Closed Chest Mini Maze is an epicardial procedure, meaning cardiac ablation (the destruction of cardiac tissue) takes place on the outside of the heart through the use of modern technologies – in this case, radiofrequency (RF energy). And, unlike the "cut-and-sew" Maze Sternotomy that also required that the chest be opened, with the Closed Chest Mini Maze, the heart is accessed through keyhole incisions made on the sides of the body. Because the surgery is minimally invasive, most patients require only a 2 to 3 day stay in the hospital, returning to normal activities in just 1 to 2 weeks.
How Do You Know That Your Afib Is Cured?
- your heart's normal sinus rhythm is restored
- you no longer take drugs like Coumadin to manage your AF
- your risk of stroke is significantly reduced
How Does The Closed Chest Mini Maze Work?
- by isolating the veins that lead to the heart (Pulmonary Vein Isolation or PVI)
- by destroying the ganglionic plexi (nerves on the heart)
- by removing the left atrial appendage, which reduces the blood that pools due to the heart's inability to efficiently pump blood, thereby reducing your risk of stroke
Mini Maze Video 
See how Mini Maze surgery is performed. (10.9 MB)
Click to view video »
Mini Maze Scars Mini Maze scars on the left side, 6 months post-op Mini Maze scars on the right side, 6 months post-op If you have atrial fibrillation, you can take steps today to reduce both the symptoms you're experiencing and the long-term effects: cut back or completely eliminate contributing factors such as the excessive consumption of alcohol, chocolate, tobacco and caffeine. And, contact Sacramento Cardiovascular Surgeons to learn more about the Closed Chest Mini Maze.
Regardless of where you live, a full life begins with a healthy heart. If you or a loved one have questions about cardiac, thoracic or vascular surgery or require more information about the minimally invasive Closed Chest Mini Maze for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, California's heart surgery experts can help. Contact Sacramento Cardiovascular Surgeons today by calling 916-452-8291 or toll free at 877-452-8291. Or, schedule a consultation at their Sacramento office. You depend on your heart; it depends on you. Take control and make the call. Today.
Images courtesy of Atricure, Inc.
