Obtaining information on the Web
Procedures for elimination of AF have become of great interest to patients and physicians recently, and some good information is now available. The links below are not intended to be an exhaustive list, but may help direct you to some of the better sites.
You are encouraged to ask your own physician about how best to manage your AF. If you need a referral to specialist, it is best to find a cardiologist who specializes in heart rhythm disturbances - an electrophysiologist. Most are members of the Heart Rhythm Society and can be found in the Heart Rhythm Society physician directory. Many have direct experience only with catheter ablation of AF, so be sure to find one who works closely with an arrhythmia surgeon.
Heart Rhythm Society The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Founded in 1979 to address the scarcity of information about the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the Heart Rhythm Society is the preeminent professional group representing more than 3,700 specialists in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology in 64 countries. |
Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Institute Located at the University of Oklahoma, the Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Institute is engaged in basic, cellular, animal and patient research. Dr. Jackman and colleagues developed many of the techniques and equipment used in catheter ablation, published many of the original descriptions of the procedures, and have been leaders in the field of ablation since the 1980's. They are also the leading center for investigation of neurological aspects of atrial fibrillation. They provide both surgical and catheter ablation expertise for management of atrial fibrillation. |
University of Cincinnati Center for Surgical Innovation The CSI is comprised of an extraordinary team of multidisciplinary experts in a variety of areas. The team includes world-recognized leaders in cardiothoracic surgery, robotic-assist surgery, telesurgery, and telemedicine. Dr. Randall K. Wolf serves as the Director. His research includes anastomotic devices in minimally invasive cardiac surgery, robotic surgery, and new devices for atrial fibrillation surgery. He and his team developed many of the tools and techniques for the minimaze procedure, have trained dozens of physicians worldwide, and have performed far more of these procedures than any other center. |
Oregon Heart & Vascular Institute OHVI is composed of cardiologists, electrophysiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventional radiologists and vascular surgeons partnering with research teams at the University of Oregon. Combining the talent and expertise of these disciplines allows for an integrated delivery of heart and vascular care. This team approach, combining the talents of both electrophysiologists and cardiac surgeons, is particularly important for the modern management of atrial fibrillation. Members of OHVI have performed more minimaze procedures than any other institution in the Western United States. |
Center for Atrial Fibrillation at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation The Center is composed of electrophysiologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and specially-trained nurses, and employs research and cutting-edge therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation. |
Washington University Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery The Cox Maze procedure was developed by James Cox, MD, and his fellow researchers at Washington University in 1987. They continue to be leaders in the field of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. |
Mayo Clinic The Mayo Clinic is nationally recognized for its expertise in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. At Mayo Clinic, thousands of patients who have atrial fibrillation are treated each year. Heart specialists and surgeons consult with patients to determine the best course of treatment. Mayo Clinic has expertise and experience in some of the most advanced treatments for atrial fibrillation, including the surgical maze procedure. . |
University of Michigan The University of Michigan is home to one of the largest health care complexes in the world. It has been the site of many groundbreaking accomplishments and technological advancements in the time since the Medical School first opened its doors in 1850. Today, the University of Michigan Health System continues to be on the cutting edge of research and patient care. They perform catheter ablation as well as surgery for AF, and supply this patient education handout about AF. |
Patient education materials to download and print
We have developed two patient education handouts that you may download. They include much of the information found at this site.
- Basic information about AF
- Advanced therapy for AF (catheter ablation and minimally invasive surgery)
Video of the minimaze procedure
This video shows an actual operation, using the Wolf MiniMaze technique, and may not be suitable for all viewers. It requires a broadband connection and Quicktime 7.
You may want to pause the video to read the captions. To pause the video, click the arrow (triangle) in the left lower corner. Click again to restart.
The video is available for download or viewing (broadband required):
A webcast of the procedure by Dr. Wolf is available here.