Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a procedure that is used to treat AFib by creating scars or lesions in the heart tissue to disrupt the abnormal electrical signals that cause AFib. It is typically reserved for people with AFib who have not responded to other treatments, such as medications or catheter ablation.

Here are some of the common surgical approaches used for AFib ablation:

1. Maze procedure: The Maze procedure is a surgical technique that involves creating a series of small incisions in the atria to create scars or lesions that redirect the electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm. The Maze procedure can be done as an open-heart surgery or as a minimally invasive procedure.
2. Mini-Maze procedure: The Mini-Maze procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves creating small incisions in the chest and using a catheter to create scars or lesions in the heart tissue.
3. Hybrid procedure: The Hybrid procedure is a combination of surgical and catheter-based ablation techniques. It involves making a small incision in the chest to access the heart and then using catheters to create scars or lesions in the heart tissue.

Surgical ablation of AFib can be an effective treatment option for some people, particularly those who have not responded to other treatments. However, it is a more invasive procedure than other AFib treatments and carries some potential risks and side effects, such as bleeding, infection, and stroke. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your individual health status and discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgical ablation of AFib with you to determine if it is a suitable treatment option.