Posted by Carl Plaskett on December 30, 2003 at 22:38:15:
In Reply to: Maze III posted by Glenn Camp on December 30, 2003 at 22:22:06:
Glenn: I THINK it depends upon where/who you go to for the Maze III, which was established as the "gold standard" with cut and sew techniques. I also BELIEVE that most surgeons are now using more and more of the alternative energy sources/different size "tips" (RF,Cryo,microwave,ultrasound) to create the Maze "lines" than in the past. Ask whomever you are considering.
As Sarah reported from her attendance at the Atrial Fib Summit, the CC has the luxury of being able to switch to another energy source mid-procedure if the doctor thinks it would be more patient-appropriate. That is a luxury not enjoyed at many (if any) other facilities.
A "beating heart" maze may not be far away, U.S. trials may begin as early as the second quarter of 2004. About 100 have been done in Europe, with good results. I will post more on that subject later.