Last updated: 11/24/2009

The Maze procedure has been performed since 1987 and was developed by Dr. James L. Cox. The average age of patients undergoing this procedure is about 52.

The Maze procedure is used to treat chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a type of...

abnormal heart rhythm in which the upper chamber of the heart quivers instead of pumping in an organized way. In general, patients usually have atrial fibrillation for about eight years before undergoing the Maze procedure. The Maze procedure may be recommended for patients who need surgical treatment for coronary artery disease or valve disease. Therefore, the Maze procedure may be performed in combination with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), valve repair, valve replacement, or other cardiac surgery.

The Maze procedure may be recommended for patients whose atrial fibrillation has not been successfully treated with medications or other non-surgical interventional procedures. It may also be a treatment option for patients who have a history of stroke or cardiac thrombus.

Abnormal heart rhythms are slightly more common in men than in women, and the prevalence of abnormal heart rhythms, especially atrial fibrillation, increases with age. Atrial fibrillation is relatively uncommon in people under age 20.