Posted by Carl Plaskett on April 03, 2002 at 21:30:26:
In Reply to: maze posted by Mary Lou McKee on April 03, 2002 at 20:27:19:
Mary Lou:
Without knowing specifics, I wouldn't want to say much other than the fact that if afib is causing the cardiomyopathy and the low ejection fraction, the Maze, if successful in stopping afib, will certainly improve both. If there is a valve problem, which often occurs along with afib, it may have to be addressed as well. Several posters here have had valve problems which were corrected by doing the maze or atrial reduction.I would contact someplace like the Cleveland Clinic and ask if they can review your records. They will need at least a recent echo, and ultimately,(before surgery), a recent cath. You can find a number for a Nurse Manager at their web site: www.clevelandclinic.org/health Click on Heart, then find atrial fibrillation, then follow "links" through until you get to "...Maze surgery/procedure" They have a contact number where you can speak with someone (toll-free, I believe). If you can't find it, email me personally (click on my name above) and I'll find it and send it to you.
You might also use our "search" feature on this page: just type in cardiomyopathy or ejection fraction and see what comes up (probably a lot!).
Good luck.