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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 impulses disperse and travel in erratic 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 labyrinth through which the signals can travel. Here, we’ll explore the steps you’ll need to follow 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 chest surgery, this is accomplished by making a long incision down the center of your chest. Then, your sternum will be split to help the surgical team gain access to the affected atria.

What To Expect After The Operation

Open chest maze is an invasive procedure. 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 plan on spending about another week in the hosptal before being released to completed your recovery at home.

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