Maze Surgical Procedures
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is a national and international innovator in the development of the Maze surgical procedure, currently considered the gold standard for curing A-fib. The Maze procedure has a 95 percent success rate at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute.
Under the leadership of Niv Ad, MD, a recognized A-fib specialist, we offer one of the largest surgical atrial fibrillation centers in the nation.
Dr. Ad and his colleagues have built a distinct, high-volume Maze program that is a model for hospitals throughout the country. Cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and electrophysiologists work collaboratively to perform more than 100 of these complex procedures each year. Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is one of only a handful of cardiac centers to offer a minimally invasive version in addition to a stand-alone version.
Traditional Maze procedure
Advances in surgical treatments have revolutionized care for patients who live with atrial fibrillation. Millions of people for whom medication has failed now have hope, thanks to the Maze procedure.
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute and its recognized A-fib specialist, Dr. Ad, are worldwide leaders in performing this advanced technique. The procedure creates a three-dimensional maze of incisions to form scar tissue that blocks the abnormal electrical patterns responsible for the arrhythmia. The Maze corrects all three problems associated with A-fib by:
- Restoring sinus rhythm
- Synchronizing the atria and ventricles
- Maintaining an organized heartbeat
Maze techniques
Median sternotomy. Involves a midline incision and splitting of the breastbone and is often performed in conjunction with coronary artery bypass grafting, mitral valve repair and/or valve replacement. Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is one of the few centers in the country to offer the full Maze as a stand-alone procedure. It is also offered to patients who are not eligible for minimally invasive surgery.
Pulmonary vein isolation. Performed on patients with intermittent A-fib. It involves bilateral incisions in the chest wall and separation of the left atrial appendage.
Minimally invasive Maze procedure. Developed as the result of great technological and surgical advances. Surgery is performed with video-guided instruments through small keyhole incisions made between the ribs. Advantages include less pain and scarring, lower risk of infection, faster recovery and earlier return to work and daily activities.
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is one of only a few heart centers in the country that performs the minimally invasive Maze procedure, which has the same high success rate as the traditional open version.
- Read frequently asked questions about the Maze procedure
- Learn more about Inova's Atrial Fibrillation Program
- Meet Niv Ad, MD, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute's A-fib specialist
- For our international patients
