Mini-MAZE
Mini-MAZE is a minimally invasive procedure in which three small incisions are made on each side of the chest. With special instruments, the surgeon will create scars (ablations) on the heart, which will block abnormal electrical impulses causing AFib. A small part of heart (left atrial appendage) usually removed at same time, as this is a probable cause of stroke. Mini-MAZE is performed on a beating heart, and the surgery takes about two to four hours. Hospital stays average about 4 days.

Mini-MAZE may eliminate AFib in about 85% to 90% of patients.

Risks involved with mini-MAZE include:

Collapsed lung (requiring a chest tube)
Inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)
Inflammation of the thin layer of tissue around the heart (pericarditis)
Damage to the heart or blood vessels

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