Minimaze:
Advanced Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation
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Atrial Fibrillation, Catheter Ablation, and the Minimaze Procedures
Welcome to the minimaze information site. Minimaze.org is a resource for patients and physicians
who have an interest in learning more about advanced therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (AF), especially
the minimally invasive surgical procedures, often referred to as "minimaze", "mini-Maze", or "mini Maze". Briefly, these are "mini" versions of the original Maze procedure, a surgical cure for atrial fibrillation developed by James Cox, MD, during the 1980s.
Understanding catheter ablation and minimally invasive surgery for AF
Finding out about these procedures is harder than it should be, in part because these procedures
are constantly changing and improving. In addition, the terminology can be confusing. The information provided here is intended to be up-to-date
and accurate, but note that many aspects of the care of AF are without a clear consensus in the medical
community. You should also be aware that this site provides information but not medical advice; you
will need to speak with your physician to find out what is best for you.
A few words about terminology
It's easy to become misinformed about these procedures because careless or imprecise use of the terms. Minimally invasive surgery for atrial fibrillation goes by several names, but is commonly referred to as the "minimaze", "mini-maze", "mini Maze", "microwave minimaze" or "Wolf MiniMaze", the latter for the surgeon who developed what many believe to be the most advanced of these procedures. A few words about this important issue can be found on the "Curative Procedures" page. Viewers of this site are encouraged to review this information first.
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About Atrial Fibrillation: Causes and Management What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)? What causes it? Why are we so concerned about it? Are there important risks? How is AF treated? Find out more... |
Curative Procedures for AF Management of AF is directed at reducing the risk of stroke, the possibility of heart damage, and the symptoms from the arrhythmia. Medications work for most patients, but some do better with therapy directed at curing the AF permanently. Find out more... |
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What is Catheter Ablation of AF? Catheter ablation became the best treatment for many common arrhythmias by 1990. Ablation of AF is more challenging, and became available here in 1998. As both our understanding of the causes of AF and catheter ablation technology continues to improve, we expect that success rates will rise and complication rates will fall. Find out more... |
What is the "Minimaze" Procedure? Surgical cure of AF was pioneered by James Cox, MD, in the 1980s. He and his colleagues developed the "Maze" or "Cox-Maze" procedure and performed the first one in 1987. Success was good, but complications also occurred, and this procedure wasn't widely adopted. Nevertheless, it forms the basis for advanced minimally invasive surgery available today, referred to as "minimaze", "mini-Maze", or "mini Maze" procedures. Find out more... |
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Before, During, and After the Minimaze What happens before, during, and after your surgery? Find out more... |
Frequently Asked Questions Answers to some of the most common questions about minimally invasive surgery. Find out more... |
