University of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Surgery: Minimally Invasive Surgery For Atrial Fibrillation

Minimally Invasive Surgery For Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical signals from the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) are fast and irregular (Figure 1). This causes the atria to quiver instead of beating effectively.

Figure 1

AF affects approximately 2.4 million Americans. People with AF are five to seven times more likely to have a stroke.

At UW Hospital and Clinics, the electrophysiology cardiology team and the surgical team work together to assess AF patients. If AF cannot be treated with medication or other nonsurgical procedures, patients are referred for a minimally invasive Maze procedure.

This new procedure allows the surgeon to correct the electrical irregularity in the atria without performing open-heart surgery. With the minimally invasive Maze procedure, patients experience fewer potential complications and a much shorter hospital stay than with traditional open surgery.