Re: Mini Maze

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Posted by Jack Drum on December 04, 2002 at 22:19:19:

In Reply to: Mini Maze posted by Frank on December 04, 2002 at 19:25:17:

Frank I am a little undecided on how to try to answer your question about the mini maze from the information you gave.
I don't know about Canada, but EP's in the US cannot perform the surgical maze procedure. Their specialty is Ablations using RF, microwave, cryo or some form of energy. Some do what they call a catheter maze, and I think I have seen this referred to as a catheter mini maze.

As far as surgical minimal maze procedures, there are two types that I know of.

From the experience of mazers on the board the one done at the Cleveland Clinic is probably best known. It is through the sternum area, but they don't split the sternum, and the recovery usually is shorter than the full maze where they split the sternum.

Another is done at OSU, Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. This one is done through access through the rib cage, and the recovery time is probably about the same as the other mini maze.

There may be other facilities doing these mini procedures, or there may be some other form of minimal maze procedure that I am not familiar with.

I had the full open chest type procedure myself, and if I had it to do over, I would have it done the same way. Most people would probably say that they would have the same type that they had the first time, and that is because most are now cured of AF , and either type is worth going through to rid yourself of atrial fibrillation.

I would try to find out more information from your EP as to what he is going to do. Please let us know what you find out.
Best Wishes and prayers.

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