Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal cardiac rhythm characterized by inhomogeneous contraction and relaxation of the atria.

These result in a stagnant flow of blood in the heart leading to clot formation in the minor or major heart chambers.  As a consequence, the risk of stroke and thromboembolsim is substantial in patients with atrial fibrillation.

At the time of operation including mitral valve repair, our cardiac surgeons generally offer a change of cardiac rhythm, from atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm by means of changing the direction of cardiac electricity by creating lines (Cryo/ablation) in the atria.  The advantage of maze procedure is to eliminate a need for long term anticoagulation.  We achieve a number of successes with this type of operation.