How To Prepare For The Atrial Maze Procedure

Atrial maze (AM) surgery is used to treat a heart rhythm irregularity known as atrial fibrillation (alternatively called AF or AFib). Normally, a group of cells (called the sinus node) within your heart’s right atrium generates electrical impulses that travel through your atria and ventricles in a methodical fashion. This causes contractions within the four chambers. With AFib, the electrical signals disperse and travel in different directions. This causes the atria to quiver, or flutter. The result is a disorderly heartbeat that can hamper your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.

During an atrial maze procedure, a surgeon will create scar tissue on the surface of your atria. The electrical impulses cannot cross the scars because the scar tissue does not conduct electricity. This allows the surgeon to create a path through which the signals can travel. Below, we’ll describe the steps you’ll need to take in order to prepare for the operation.

Before The Operation

Though AM surgery can be performed by using a minimally invasive approach, many hospitals continue to use an open chest strategy. Most of the preparation is idential, although, naturally, open surgery requires a few additional steps.

Several days before the operation, your doctor or caregiver will recommend that you stop using anticoagulants and aspirin. If you are taking other medications, ask whether you will need to stop taking them. If you are a smoker, you will need to stop on or two weeks in advance to undergoing maze surgery in order to prevent clotting.

The day before the operation, you may need to undergo one or more tests. Your doctor may take X-rays of your chest, perform blood and urine tests, and request an electrocardiogram. The goal of these tests is to confirm there is no infection present and your health has not declined.

Immediately before the operation, you will receive an anesthesia. If an open chest strategy is used, the surgical team will insert a tube into your windpipe and another tube into your stomach. The former helps manage your breathing while the latter ensures your stomach remains empty during the procedure.

The next step is to access your heart. For open heart surgery, this is accomplished by making a lenghty incision down the center of the chest. Then, your sternum will be split to help the surgical team gain access to the affected atria.

Post-Op Expectations

Open chest maze is considered an invasive surgery. To that end, there is a higher risk of infection and a longer recovery time than would be the case for minimally invasive maze surgery. After the surgical team has completed the procedure, you’ll be moved into an intensive care unit. While you’re in ICU, doctors and nurses will monitor your vital signs. After one or two days, you’ll be moved out of ICU. You can expect to spend another four to seven days in the hospital before being released to complete your recovery at home.

The atrial maze procedure is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, because it is often performed through open surgery, you may require up to six months for a full recovery.