Definition

The mini-maze procedure is a type of heart surgery. It is done through the upper chambers of the heart. The chambers are called the atria.

Traditional maze surgery requires opening the chest and stopping the heart. A mini-maze is done with small incisions and special surgical tools. This often leads to shorter recovery and lower risk of infection.

Maze Procedure Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

Maze is done to treat atrial fibrillation. Fibrillation is abnormal beating of the heart.

Maze is used to treat severe cases that were not helped by medicine and other procedures.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over problems that could happen, such as:

• Excess bleeding
• Problems from anesthesia such as wheezing or sore throat
• Infections
• The need to switch to an open procedure
• Damage to organs or structures
• Stroke
• Death

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Long term diseases such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision
• Lasting nausea or vomiting
• Pain that you cannot control with the medicine
• Problems passing urine
• Pain or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
• New or unexpected symptoms

Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if you have:

• Sudden chest pain
• Sudden problems breathing
• Problems with vision or speaking
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.