Surgical Ablation Procedure
The surgical procedure is performed to treat nPAF. During this procedure a number of lesions are made on the left, right, or both atrium of the heart based on what the surgeon feels is the best course of action to treat their patient’s nPAF. These lesions form scar tissue, which does not conduct electricity. Thus, the scar tissue disrupts the path of the abnormal electrical impulses. The MAZE procedure can be performed in conjunction with other structural heart surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting or valve repair/replacement.
Ablative Technologies
Radiofrequency (RF) and cryoablation systems are routinely used as part of the MAZE procedure. RF energy flows through devices, heating the heart tissue, and creating a scar. The scars are made in a specific pattern in the upper chambers of the heart and will block the abnormal electrical conduction. Similarly, cryoablation systems use very cold temperature to freeze the tissue. This also results in an isolating scar pattern and will block the abnormal electrical conduction.