Posted by Bud Viren on December 17, 2003 at 19:02:14:
I had my two year maze anniversary on December 3rd. The brilliant Dr. Dearani at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN did my surgery. I understand that the maze procedure is a piece of cake compared to the complicated pediatric heart surgeries he performs including heart transplants. However, when it came to my heart I wanted an expert that had done many successful maze procedures!
I started having afib episodes at age 33 (I had my surgery at age 44). At first drug therapy appeared to work but over time it became ineffective and the only way I would convert was with electrical cardiversion. I had/have no other known health problems but the lone afib. I was in afib when the surgery began and I have been in NSR ever since! At first I noticed daily "skipped" beats but these have greatly reduced. Now I notice them maybe once per month.
I like to lift weights and was worried about the strength of my chest but am now back to where I was before surgery. I was kind of paranoid that my chest would split open but am told that it probably is stronger now than before the surgery.
I am sure that technology will eventually find a better way to cure afib. However, knowing what I know now, I would still opt for the maze if I had to do it over again.