Minimaze - Curative procedures for AF: The "mini" Maze procedures and Catheter Ablation of AF

mini maze minimally invasive surgery image

A team approach: Collaboration between surgeons and electrophysiologists

Atrial Fibrillation is a complex problem. Indeed, not all of the factors contributing to AF have been completely identified. The best results will result from careful attention to surgical, electrical, and nerve components all at the same time. This requires close collaboration between the electrophysiologist and the surgeon both before and after your procedure. This page is intended to give patients an idea of the sequence of events to expect before and after your procedure, both at your electrophysiologist's office, and at your surgeon's office. The exact sequence may differ depending on individual circumstances.

Timeline for your Minimaze procedure

This table is intended to give prospective patients an idea of what to expect regarding visits to the physicians when considering the minimaze procedure. Be aware that institutions will vary in the manner in which they follow their patients.

Time	Electrophysiology Office	Surgeon’s Office	Hospital
	Your records are received and reviewed
6 weeks pre-op	Visit electrophysiologist; referred to the surgeon if appropriate. Receive informational handout. Begin warfarin. Review handouts and www.minimaze.org website
		Visit surgeon, review questions, and if appropriate schedule: Surgery Anesthesia Pre-op Surgical Nurse Pre-op EP NP Pre-op Pre-op echo (TEE)
1 week pre-op	Visit with EP Nurse Practioner	Visit with surgical nurse	Transesophageal echo Anesthesia consult Transition off warfarin; begin LMWH
Day of Surgery
First day post-op			Remove chest tubes; restart anticoagulation and antiarrhythmic medications
Third day post-op			Discharge to home
72 hours post discharge		Telephone check-up	Check INR; resume routine anticoagulation management
1 week post	Visit with EP nurse practitioner
3 weeks post		Visit with surgical nurse
5 weeks post		Visit with surgeon
8 weeks post	Visit with EP nurse practitioner; stop antiarrhythmics
12 weeks post	Visit electrophysiologist; consider stopping anticoagulation
6 months post	Heart Monitor x 1 month
7 months post	Visit with electrophysiologist
1 year post	Visit with electrophysiologist; return care to primary physician

minimaze.org

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Atrial Fibrillation

What to Expect Before and After Your Surgery

Resources:

A team approach: Collaboration between surgeons and electrophysiologists

Timeline for your Minimaze procedure