title: The maze procedure for cure of atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Atrial fibrillation is the most common dysrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. A significant number of patients fail medical therapy because of inability to convert or control the rhythm pharmacologically, intolerance of the requisite medication, or persistent symptoms despite apparently satisfactory rate control. Based on experimental studies establishing the electrophysiologic basis of atrial fibrillation, a surgical procedure has been developed that is highly effective in restoring sinus rhythm without further requirement for medications. The evolution of this procedure, its current indications, and results are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Sundt
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Camillo
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001282:Atrial Flutter / Q000503:physiopathology; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications