Cox maze: anyone had this procedure?

[DizzyD]

Hi all just booked for a private consult with cardiothoraticic surgeon in northwest, hopefully for Cox maze procedure for afib. Was in a+e for 14 hours yesterday on monitors...sent me home, still in AFib. Long story, but bit by bit I am finding out that treatment for my AFib is very limited due to other heart conditions and hypothyroidism. At this point in time I am on verapamil and apixaban. Not sure how long I can last on verapamil due to troubling side effects. AFib is getting worse...needless to say it's down to me to look for alternative treatment, hence I found a cardiothoratic surgeon close to where I live who carries out Cox maze procedure, just hope I qualify for it it be done. Initially I favoured mini maze procedure but travelling to London put me off.

Had anyone had Cox procedure? If so was it a success or any downside?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful evening

[CDreamer]

I notice no one has replied to you. You can do a search of posts in the search box and just put in Cox-Maze. I found 2 posts about it both on AF forum and BHF site - one was from 5 years ago though.

[Mrsvemb]

Had you considered going to Sheffield? Dr Steven Hunter does the mini maze there. MummyLuv had this procedure by Dr Hunter in London and her recovery was amazing.

[DizzyD in reply to Mrsvemb]

Thank you Mrsvemb...have read some of mummyluv posts. They inspired me to look into maze procedures but could only find Cox maze in hospital local to me.

[4chickens]

Hi, I don’t have any knowledge of the cox maze but having a hybrid convergent mini maze in Sheffield in a couple of weeks. I saw mr Hunter privately initially but after my consultation he transferred me to the nhs for which I’m very grateful. When I made the original appointment I was given the choice to see him in London or Sheffield.

[DizzyD in reply to 4chickens]

Hey 4chickens thank you for your most welcome reply. Delighted you are getting mini maze procedure in a couple of weeks. Even more pleased that you are getting it done via NHS. I have read some posts on here between yourself and mummyluv regarding mini maze, which inspired me to go for it, but journey to London put me off. My next option was Cox maze done at local Liverpool Heart Chest Hospital but prefer mini maze. Now I know Dr Hunter does the procedure in Sheffield I will book a consultation with him. Just hope I qualify for it. Do I need a referral better from my GP or did you just phone up for a consultation?

[4chickens in reply to DizzyD]

if your GP refers you there would be no charge even for the initial consultation, my consultant in Leicester wouldn’t refer me and my GP wouldn’t step on the consultant toes, hence I paid privately l arranged it through the keyhole heart clinic.

[DizzyD in reply to 4chickens]

Thank you 4chickens. Relieved that I don't have to go through my GP for a referral. Speaking from experience it would take weeks to get a referral letter from them in the present climate. Have a rewarding day

[MummyLuv in reply to DizzyD]

I highly recommend Mr Hunter, he does both full cox maze iV and also mini maze. He will accept a referral from your GP on NHS, if you wanted to speed up an initial consultation you can contact him here

thekeyholeheartclinic.com/a...

I believe Paul Mobi in Liverpool does mini maze. I can’t speak for his skills or how many he does but may be worth asking.

[DizzyD in reply to MummyLuv]

I sent a request for consultation with Paul Modi four days ago but so far have not heard anything. Have no idea what his skill level is but Having said that I am opting for Mr Hunter. Your road toward recovery is amazing, real inspiration to myself and many others. Sincere thank you. Considering my other heart issues just hope and pray that I qualify for mini maze procedure. With this A fib I am alive but unable to live my life, hence I am desperate to find a solution. Thanks a million Mummyluv for your help and support.

Have a rewarding day

[MummyLuv in reply to DizzyD]

I hope you qualify too, Steven Hunter will be able to guide you, you’ll be in good hands. Please let me know how you get on x