Atrial Fibrillation - Totally Thoracoscopic Mini-Maze

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION | CAUSES & SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS & HEALTH RISKS | TREATMENTS

OPEN HEART MAZE | TOTALLY THORACOSCOPIC MINI-MAZE | TT MINI-MAZE PATIENT CENTER

TOTALLY THORACOSCOPIC MINI-MAZE PROCEDURE

The totally thoracoscopic Mini-Maze procedure is the newest, least invasiveand most comprehensive option for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The TT Mini-Maze procedure addresses the most important aspect of the surgical treatment of AFib by creating scars in the left atrium that are similar to those created in the highly curative open heart maze but without the necessity of dividing the sternum and using the heart lung machine.

In the TT Mini-Maze, the surgeon makes 3 – 4 very small scope insertion sites, or “ports”, on each side of the chest.  These sites are only 1/4 - 3/4 inches in length.  The surgeon then introduces small specialized instruments through the “ports” and creates a series of scars on the left atrium using radiofrequency ablation.  The surgery takes about 3 hours.  Patients experience much less discomfort and much faster recovery, typically returning to light work after a week.

The TT Mini-Maze is unique in that it is highly effective in curing all 3 types of atrial fibrillation using minimally invasive techniques.  This is the first time that patients with persistent AFib and longstanding persistent AFib have had the opportunity to be cured with a procedure other than the maximally invasive Open Heart Maze.

The TT Mini-Maze is a comprehensive surgical treatment for persistent AFib and longstanding persistent AFib because it includes all of the following surgical maneuvers:

• Electrical isolation of both pulmonary veins
• Creation of scar lesion from pulmonary vein to pulmonary vein at atrial roof and floor
• Creation of scar lesion from atrial roof to mitral valve
• Mapping and radiofrequency ablation of abnormal nerve connections (autonomic ganglionated plexi)
• Ligation of left atrial appendage (where stroke-causing blood clots can originate)
• Verification that the created scar lesions are effective barriers to abnormal electrical impulses

 

Dr. Pigott is one of the few cardiac surgeons in the United States who is expert in performing the TT Mini-Maze.

Dr. Pigott is one of the few cardiac surgeons in the world who performs verification to ensure that the scar lesion set provides an effective barrier to abnormal electrical impulses.

For an appointment in Dr. Pigott’s AFib Clinic at Tulane Medical Center
Call:  504-988-AFIB (2342)
LIVE AFib free!