Posted by Henry Alken on January 06, 2003 at 17:48:00:
In Reply to: Which Procedure? What Docs?Where Available? posted by Beverly Crane on January 06, 2003 at 07:17:03:
Beverly,
It is my understanding that there are three (3) ways to approach the heart for the Maze surgery. If I am wrong, then I trust that Steve will correct me.Method 1:
The entire sternum is split from the throat area all the way down and the entire rib cage can be swung to one side. This is the method that was used on several folk on this board.Method 2:
The lower half only of the sternum is split so that only the lower portion of the rib cage is moved. This is the method that I had at CC under Dr McCarthy.Method 3:
An incision is made between the ribs and the ribs are spread. Steve informs us that the lung must be collapsed in order to access the heart when using this approach.It is my understanding that Methods 1 and 2 do not require the collapse of a lung. Dr McCarthy's medical description of my surgery (Method 2) can be read in the posting "Description of an Operation" by Henry Alken dated 11-25-2001. No mention is made there of collapsing the lung.
I found that Method 2 was a breeze for me. I was walking the ward the next day. I took no pain killers during the day and only one at night to get a good night's sleep. I believe that the choice between Method 1 and Method 2 depends on the physical size of the person, etc. I don't know why Method 3 is chosen.
Hope this helps.
Good luck. You will do fine.
Henry