Posted by Carl Plaskett on December 04, 2002 at 20:21:05:
In Reply to: Mini Maze posted by Frank on December 04, 2002 at 19:25:17:
Frank: There are probably as many "mini" mazers as "open chest" mazers posting here. Almost all have similar results over the long run (6 months or so). It SEEMS to me that a few more mini-mazers have had to have "touch-up" ablations, but they are not a big deal WHEN done with the latest techniques/instruments by the most experienced doctors.
There are several variations of the mini maze, but currently ALL maze procedures require time on a heart/lung machine and are all "open heart" surgery, in that one's heart is stopped and opened to create the maze. The open maze to which your doctor refers is probably the open chest routine, which allows the surgeon to do it without the use of scopes and instruments from outside the body cavity through small incisions. A mini-maze may have more discomfort because nerves and muscles are cut, but the healing is faster than with open chest incision. I had the open chest routine and was back to work parttime visiting jobs and sitting at a desk (no driving or lifting) on the 10th day, but found it a little uncomfortable. I was back fulltime in less than 3 weeks, but still did not drive or lift until about 5 weeks or so.
I would be certain of the "success rate" of your doctor and if you are satisfied, it may be the start of a new life for you.Keep us updated and ask any questions of us.