The role of the surgical maze procedure

The Cox-maze procedure for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation has proven to be the most effective means of addressing the adverse consequences of the disease, including rhythm, hemodynamics, and thromboembolic risk. The indications for its use continue to evolve, as do the operative techniques. Newer instruments have been developed to simplify the existing procedure in order to facilitate surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation, and expand its usefulness to other subgroups of patients.