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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
The Maze procedure: a surgical intervention for ablation of atrial fibrillation
1Cardiac Surgery Research, Suite B 109, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA.
Insights
Atrial fibrillation poses significant risks, including stroke. The Maze procedure offers an alternative surgical treatment for patients unresponsive to medication, aiming to restore normal heart rhythm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with substantial morbidity and mortality risks.
- Thromboembolic events and strokes are primary concerns in AF patients.
- Medical therapy for rate and rhythm control may be insufficient or contraindicated for some patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the Maze procedure as an alternative treatment for atrial fibrillation.
- To discuss the historical and current status of the Maze procedure.
- To outline postoperative care considerations for Maze procedure patients.
Main Methods:
- The article reviews the Maze procedure, a surgical intervention for atrial fibrillation.
- It discusses the procedure's goal: restoring normal sinus rhythm and enabling medication cessation.
- Postoperative care aspects are also briefly addressed.
Main Results:
- The Maze procedure aims to achieve normal sinus rhythm in AF patients.
- It provides an alternative for patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate medical therapy.
- Successful restoration of sinus rhythm can mitigate stroke and thromboembolic risks.
Conclusions:
- The Maze procedure is a viable surgical option for specific atrial fibrillation patients.
- It offers a pathway to normal heart rhythm and reduced stroke risk.
- Comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its postoperative care is essential.
Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation may be considered by some to be innocuous; however, the impact of atrial fibrillation can be substantial. Thromboembolic events and strokes are the number one cause of mortality and morbidity. For patients who do not respond to medical therapy for rate and rhythm control or are unable to take medication to decrease the risk of a stroke or thromboembolic event, the Maze procedure offers an alternative treatment intervention. The goal of this surgical procedure is to return the patient's heart rhythm to normal sinus rhythm while ceasing all antiarrhythmic medication. This article discusses the past and present state of the Maze procedure and briefly addresses the postoperative care of the patient who has undergone the Maze procedure.

