For Physicians
There is quite a bit of confusion regarding terminology, as the term “minimaze” has been associated with so many different procedures. The following pages are intended to
- list and differentiate the main types of minimaze procedures
- summarize some of the recent literature regarding outcomes of the various minimaze procedures
- supply references for those interested in investigating them in more depth
Current Indications for Atrial Fibrillation Surgery
In 2007, international experts in cardiology and thoracic surgery (HRS, EHRA, ECAS, ACC, AHA, and STS) published a consensus statement (Calkins 2007) regarding catheter and surgical ablation of AF. They stated:
In summary, surgery has been performed for 20 years for AF. It plays an important role in selected patients with AF. With present ablation technology, surgery can be performed with low mortality and through limited access incisions. Programs involved in the stand-alone surgical treatment of AF should develop a team approach to these patients, including both electrophysiologists and surgeons, to ensure appropriate selection of patients.
It is the consensus of this Task Force that the following are appropriate indications for surgical ablation of AF:
- Symptomatic AF patients undergoing other cardiac surgical procedures
- Selected asymptomatic AF patients undergoing cardiac surgery in whom the ablation can be performed with minimal risk
- Stand-alone AF surgery should be considered for symptomatic AF patients who prefer a surgical approach, or have failed one or more attempts at catheter ablation, or are not candidates for catheter ablation