Medical Services - Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) Statistics
- 2.2 Million people in the world suffer from Afib
- Afib is more prevalent among the elderly
Typical surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, called the Cox-Maze procedure, involves a large incision down the front of the chest and spreading the ribs to gain access to the heart. The surgeon achieves a direct view of the area to be treated, and the treatment success rate is excellent. However due to the highly invasive nature of this procedure, it is often done only if another procedure, such as a coronary bypass, must also be done.
Dr. Erik Beyer of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center has perfected an alternative technique in which he can perform a "mini-Maze" procedure through three smaller incisions in the side of the chest.
"The Maze procedure is the single most effective treatment for atrial fibrillation," said Beyer. "By performing this highly technical procedure in a minimally-invasive environment and without spreading the ribs, our patients experience much less pain, heal faster, and are able to get back to normal lives much quicker."
Key Benefits to minimally invasive atrial fibrillation surgery:
- Surgeon has direct vision
- Operator independence
- Left atrial appendage excision
- Large number of candidates
Dr. Beyer's presentation on Atrial Fibrillation
Download the full presentation on surgical atrial fibrillation (9 mb).
For more information on the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, please call 713-790-3333.
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