Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation

Anson M Lee1, Spencer J Melby, Ralph J Damiano

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 660 South Euclid, Campus Box 8234, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

The Surgical Clinics of North America
|September 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The Cox-Maze procedure is the gold standard surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation, achieving over 90% success. Advancements in ablation technologies simplify this procedure, making surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation more accessible.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation affects a significant population, with medical therapy as the primary treatment.
  • Surgical intervention is crucial for selected patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • The Cox-Maze procedure is the established gold standard for surgical atrial fibrillation treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of surgical intervention in atrial fibrillation management.
  • To highlight the impact of ablation technologies on the Cox-Maze procedure.
  • To discuss the evolution of surgical techniques for atrial fibrillation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the Cox-Maze procedure and its historical significance.
  • Analysis of the development and impact of ablation technologies.
  • Examination of recent advancements in surgical lesion sets and approaches.

Main Results:

  • The Cox-Maze procedure demonstrates over 90% success in eliminating atrial fibrillation.
  • Ablation technologies have simplified the technically demanding Cox-Maze procedure.
  • Numerous new lesion sets and approaches have emerged in the last decade.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation has become less invasive due to technological advancements.
  • The proliferation of new techniques may increase complexity in operative atrial fibrillation treatment.
  • Continued evolution of surgical strategies aims to improve outcomes for atrial fibrillation patients.

More Related Videos

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation11:21

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: May 29, 2015

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China08:42

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...