title: Atrial fibrillation from a surgical perspective.
abstract: Before 1985, there was no surgical solution for AF. Any therapy contained uncertainties and Warfarin was still needed in the treatment regimen. The Maze operation as described by Dr. Cox cures AF. Recent modifications in technique and technology have allowed us to apply Dr. Cox's concepts in ways that are easy to apply surgically with excellent results and virtually no mortality and minimal morbidity. In most cases Warfarin will become unnecessary, the number of strokes will be markedly reduced and normal lifestyle can be restored. The minimally invasive Maze procedure is very appealing. It is an atrial ablation as well as cardiac denervation. It is user-friendly, so far effective and associated with minimal discomfort and short hospitalization.
authors.affiliation: Brown Medical School and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, USA. gncjr@gncjr.necoxmail.com
authors.forename: George N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin