Chronic Lone Atrial Fibrillation and the MAZE Rate of Success

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Posted by Osman M. Nasar on August 01, 2001 at 04:23:46:

As you may know, I have been scheduled for the MAZE operation this coming September, by Dr. McCarthy of the Cleveland Clinic.
Please advise the following:

1) How many of you had "Chronic Lone Atrial Fibrillation" and had a successful Maze operation.

2) When was it performed, by whom, and in what Hospital.

3) How many days, months, or years it took for partial recovery & full recovery.

4) Any advise from your personal experience of the Maze Operation at the CCC (what to expect, what to avoid, how long to stay after the operation to assure stable recovery, specially for a patient who resides oversees) would be appreciated.

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I have asked Dr. McCarthy several questions on the Maze and he kindly responded as follows:

1) Q: I understand that you have slightly modified the MAZE III Procedure since Dr. Cox taught you. Is that true? and what is the difference.

A: Essentially the same operation, but with cryoablation on the right side more often, which has reduced (possibly eliminated) the need for a pacemaker in some pts. Also we've been doing this minimally invasive, but with your size I don't know that we can do that

2) Q: I also understand that you have performed over 100 MAZE operations.

A: I now over 230...currently 1-2/week

3) Q: I assume that you have done a follow-up. If so, What is the rate of success? Complication types? How many are now without medication? How many on
medication? How many had piece maker? How many had strokes, and how many Died? (i.e. do you have statistics).


A: I will ask my office to send you the paper from the first 100 pts. Briefly for lone af...95% success, no strokes, no deaths, no pacemakers in years

3) Q: I have Chronic Lone AF. How many you have performed on a similar case? and their rate of success.

A: as above, lone AF is now the most common indication today...approaching 100 pts I would think


4) Q: I am 58 year old 6' 3"", 270 Lb. Does the size/weight dictate the type of MAZE Procedure. I understand for big guys like me you choose the
classic MAZE open heart surgery, not the MAZE III operation. Is that true? and Why

A: Maze III, but probably normal incision, not minimally invasive. We haven't done the original Maze in about 8 years


5) Q: What is the effect of enlarged atria on the rate of success? If so, how large is large?

A: Huge atria can be a problem (over about 8 cm) you are nowhere near that size

6) Q:I understand that the Maze operation is considered a cure for AF only.
It does not cure the PACs or PAFs. Is that true?

A: some people continue with PACs,,,they are benign and not assocaited with strokes
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I would appreciate your comments on the above, pariculary the Answers to 4 & 6 questions.


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