Maze Procedure
The majority of Maze surgeries are performed in conjunction with other open heart surgery, such as bypass grafting, or valve repair or replacement. Atrial fibrillation, a type of heart rhythm disorder, is usually controlled by drugs, but when the heart does not respond to the medication or catheter ablation, when symptoms such as fainting or near-fainting diminish quality of life, or when medical factors such as high risk for blood clots or stroke call for something more to be done, maze heart surgery may be the best option, particularly for those with congenital heart disease. Additionally, the procedure may reveal hidden pre-existing conditions, such as heart block or sick sinus syndrome, that may call for a pacemaker. Repairing atrial fibrillation lowers the risk of blood clots and/or stroke as well.
Consult our Florida Open Heart Surgeons
The team at Ocala Heart Institute has the expertise and the experience vitally necessary to perform this delicate and complex procedure to correct atrial fibrillation and restore a regular, coordinated heartbeat.
What’s the Maze Procedure like?
The latest technology has allowed for less invasive techniques (compared to open-heart surgery), reducing the number of incisions made and time spent performing the procedure on some Florida patients. Keyhole incisions made between the ribs, tiny cameras and robotic-guided instruments are inserted to assist the surgeon. Cryotherapy freezes heart tissue (cryoablation) to create lesions and minimizes the length of time needed to perform surgery. Conversely, heat (unipolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablation) is used for the minimal access catheter maze procedure. Other procedures, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound, have been used to create lesions without cutting into the atrial walls.
We’re the Best in Florida Cardiovascular Care
Maze heart surgery is a delicate procedure that should only be performed by those with the highest of qualifications. Call Ocala Heart Institute when you want the very best Florida heart surgery center in the Southeast. We have numerous facilities throughout Florida, from our main location in Ocala to hospitals in Winter Haven and Venice. All facilities have earned awards and citations and our Stuart and Venice locations have been named in the Top 50 for Heart Care.
