title: Modification of the maze procedure for atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. I. Rationale and surgical results.
abstract: The original maze procedure that was described for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation was followed by an unacceptable incidence of two problems: (1) the frequent inability to generate an appropriate sinus tachycardia in response to maximal exercise and (2) occasional left atrial dysfunction. In an effort to overcome these problems, we modified the original technique (maze I) twice. The results of these modifications culminated in the maze III procedure, which is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative sinus rhythm, improved long-term sinus node function, fewer pacemaker requirements, less arrhythmia recurrence, and improved long-term atrial transport function. In addition, the maze III procedure is technically less demanding than either the maze I or maze II procedure. Therefore, the maze III procedure is now the technique of choice for the management of medically refractory atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Mo, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cox
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Boineau
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Schuessler
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Jaquiss
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Lappas
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016275:Atrial Function; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence