Posted by Carl Plaskett on November 14, 2001 at 19:38:04:
In Reply to: MAZE posted by Tony Billingham on November 14, 2001 at 18:37:13:
Tony: In regards to your question of "Do all MAZE doctors do the operation the same way?", I would say that most are probably doing the Maze III procedure, which refers to the technique of creating the "maze". Some may prefer accessing the heart via the "open chest" routine (mine)and MAY feel more comfortable being able to "see" the heart without the use of a scope, which is used with the "mini-maze" procedure (done through and/or under the ribs). Both are open heart procedures, utilizing the heart/lung machine.
A patient's size also enters into a surgeon's decision on which access method is used, since the instruments used in the mini-maze are not long enough for use on some larger people or people with a large chest cavity.
Both of these describe me, hence Dr. McCarthy probably chose the open chest routine in my case for that reason, and not because I had expressed a preference for it.As far as "follow-up" stats go, it appears as though the CC has NOT followed up on everyone who has received the maze. I know they did a study of a good many of the early ones (perhaps around 100+ -) and followed them enough to PERHAPS reach the valid conclusion that their success rate could be quoted in the 95%+ range for future mazes as well.
The techniques have improved since then, and I would assume that the success rate has done the same. Ask them what they base their data upon: older data or current? If they say current, ask how they are gathering this data. I have been contacted twice for follow-up info, but I believe some others who had their maze at the same time have not had the same number of contacts. Perhaps their current methodology involves random sampling which is perfectly valid from a statistical standpoint, but not being a statistician, I cannot pass judgement on their claims.
Don't be embarrassed to ask questions, questions, questions. This is YOUR life. Also, don't overlook the "Maze stories" at the top of the page, and the many enthusiastic "mazers" who have regained lives many felt were lost forever. I count myself among them.
- Re: MAZE follow-up Ed Wehan 23:16:16 11/14/2001 (0)
- Re: MAZE follow-up Henry Alken 20:52:22 11/14/2001 (1)
- Re: MAZE follow-up Carl Plaskett 23:34:55 11/14/2001 (0)