Minimally Invasive Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Patients with atrial fibrillation have a new treatment option that can eliminate the need for lifelong drug therapy. The revolutionary Thoracoscopic Maze Procedure is minimally invasive and often cures atrial fibrillation. Deaconess Hospital is the first in the region to introduce this breakthrough technology.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, the most common form of heart rhythm disorder, affects about 2.2 million Americans. It is a condition of the heart in which the upper chambers do not beat in a synchronized or coordinated manner with the lower part of the heart. Patients with atrial fibrillation experience an irregular heartbeat and can suffer from shortness of breath, lethargy and palpitations. Patients are required to take blood thinner medications to reduce their risk of stroke, as well as other medications to attempt to control the beating of the heart.

Maze Surgical Techniques

Traditional Maze surgery is known as the gold standard for surgical cure of atrial fibrillation. It continues to be used successfully, but it is a complicated procedure that isn't appropriate for all patients. The following table compares the traditional surgery to the minimally invasive option now available at Deaconess Hospital. 

Conventional Maze Surgery		Thoracoscopic Maze Procedure
Surgeon must divide sternum (chest bone) to access heart. Cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung machine) required. Surgeon uses a heated or freezing probe with direct access to the heart to interrupt flow of abnormal electrical signals. Typically performed in combination with another open-heart surgery. Procedure is very successful, but it does not offer all of the post-operative benefits seen with a minimally invasive surgical approach like the Thoracoscopic Procedure.		Surgeon works through 3 small incisions in between the ribs without dividing the sternum. Is performed on the beating heart with no bypass machine required. No incisions on the heart itself. Surgeon uses heat to interrupt flow of abnormal electrical signals. Offered as a stand-alone procedure. Routinely used when patient does not need open heart surgery. Minimally invasive procedure offers many benefits, including less postoperative pain, faster recovery, reduced risk of complications, and shorter hospital stay.

First in Region to Offer New Treatment

Deaconess Hospital's Heart Rhythm Center was the first in the region to perform this breakthrough procedure for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dr. Dominic Cefali, a cardiovascular surgeon with The Heart Group successfully performed the surgery in August 2005.

Dr. Cefali says, "The present goal of therapy for atrial fibrillation is to cure it, not just treat it. This cutting edge minimally invasive surgical procedure represents an exciting new treatment option for the millions of patients who struggle with this problem on a daily basis. We are pleased to be the first to bring this new technology to the residents of the Tri-State."

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