Common Questions About the Atrial Maze Procedure
The maze procedure, invented by Dr. James Cox, was first performed in 1987. It was originally performed as open heart surgery, an invasive approach that required the patient’s heart to be stopped. Since then, it has evolved as less-invasive techniques have been developed. Today, a growing number of cardiac surgeons are doing maze surgery to correct atrial fibrillation. In this article, we’ll answer a few of the most common questions asked Kamagra jelly about the procedure.
What Is The Purpose Of The Operation?
This operation is done in order to treat atrial fibrillation (or, Afib). This is a condition in which a person’s heart beats erratically due to disorganized electrical impulses. Normally, the heart’s electrical system produces impulses that cause the atria and ventricles to contract in a uniform manner. With Afib, these impulses spread throughout the atria unevenly, causing them to beat rapidly out of sync. They fibrillate.
When this happens, the atria become less efficient in pumping blood into the ventricles. This can cause a number of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness.
The maze procedure was created specifically to fix this problem and relieve the associated symptoms.
How Is It Performed?
During the operation, a surgeon will create scar tissue across the surface of your atria. The purpose of the scarring is to design a pathway through which the electrical signals can be guided. Because scar tissue does not conduct electricity, the signals are forced to go around the scars. By creating a maze of scarring, the surgeon can direct the impulses through the atria and ventricles, ensuring the heart beats in a uniform manner.
With traditional maze surgery, a long incision (usually between 6 and 8 inches) is made into the patient’s chest, and the sternum and ribs are separated. A heart-lung bypass machine helps to circulate blood once the heart has been stopped. Minimally invasive techniques make this approach unnecessary (though not all patients are good candidates). Smaller incisions are made to allow the surgeon to work between the ribs.
How Is The Scar Tissue Created?
In the past, the scarring was accomplished manually by making incisions into the atria. These incisions were then sewn back together to create the scar tissue. Today, a different approach is often used. Cardiac surgeons can create lesions by using one of several energy sources. Radiofrequency energy can be applied through a catheter; microwave energy can be applied in the same manner to build the conduction block; laser, ultrasound, and a process known as cryothermy (i.e. extreme cold delivered through a probe) can also be used. Each energy source can produce the necessary scarring.
Are There Risks Involved?
While there are risks involved with the maze procedure, much depends on whether open heart surgery or a minimally invasive approach is used. The energy source can also play a role, though this is less an issue today as better technologies are being integrated.
Any type of open heart surgery poses a risk of bleeding and infection. Some patients also experience fluid retention, and a small number experience a stroke. If minimally invasive techniques are used, there is far less risk of bleeding, infection, and stroke.
Will It Cure Atrial Fibrillation?
Maze surgery can cure atrial fibrillation. The conduction block formed by the scar tissue lacks the ability to conduct electrical impulses. This is not to suggest that other heart related issues cannot surface down the road. Arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and blood clots can potentially cause problems. However, these problems are exclusive of the maze surgery used to cure atrial Cialis Jelly a good candidate for the operation.
Author Bio: Finding the right doctor for Maze procedure or cardiac surgery is crucial. Visit a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment
Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: atrial fibrillation, maze procedure, minimally invasive techniques, atrial maze procedure, Catheter
