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Maryland Heart Center

The CryoMaze Procedure: Cutting-Edge Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

CryoMaze Procedure | What is Atrial Fibrillation? | Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke | CryoMaze FAQ

 

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Normally, electricity is conducted in a smooth, coordinated fashion from the upper to the lower chambers of the heart. As a result, the heart chambers pump in a coordinated fashion. In atrial fibrillation, the electrical activity of the heart is uncoordinated, with electricity traveling about the upper chambers in a chaotic fashion and causing the upper chambers to quiver (a "bag of worms") and contract inefficiently or not at all.

Atrial fibrillation is common among patients with heart valve disease who require surgery to repair or replace the mitral valve.

Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation

Currently, treatment of atrial fibrillation is aimed at preventing strokes and improving symptoms. The fast heart rates can be controlled with either medication or placement of a pacemaker after modification of the conduction system in the heart. In some patients, atrial fibrillation can be cured by electrically modifying specific areas of the heart either with a catheter or surgical procedure.

Failure of these therapies, debilitating symptoms, or a reluctance to take blood-thinning drugs on a long-term basis should lead to consideration of surgery as a definitive means of curing atrial fibrillation. The CryoMaze procedure is a highly effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation.

To be evaluated for the CryoMaze procedure, or to refer a patient, please call 410-328-5842.


Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-800-492-5538 or 410-328-5842, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.