I've been a forum member for several years with my afib stories. Now, I am scheduled to have open chest triple bypass surgery this January 2nd, a prospect causing much anxiety (not over the procedure, per se, but the lengthy recovery time. Anyway........
The surgeon told me he could give me a bargain (attempt at humor, which surgeons are not good at), and since I have an afib burden, while he's "in there" he can do a "maze" and a LAA closure. Such a deal!!!
I am wondering what kind of maze procedure this is-I know different kinds have been discussed here many times. I'm certainly not going to "turn it down", but just wondering how it compares with other "maze" procedures.
JimF
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frazeej
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It's the real deal Maze procedure The only reason "mini maze" is performed is because it's less invasive than open heart maze with shorter recovery time. But since they are opening up your chest anyway, definitely go for it. Very good chance it will take care of your afib and with the LAA closure you can say goodbye to thinners. Good luck with the operation.
Yes go for it, as you are having open heart surgery anyway. It will cure your AF and having the LAA clipped will remove the need for anticoagulants. Good luck for 2nd January
The risk is still there after the appendage is occulted, but because of the co morbid cardiac conditions you should still have some form of anti coagulation. Either a DOAC, Aspirin or Clopidogrel, but your Surgeon and EP will decide what is best. Closure of the LAA only gives 75%, but even if it was 95% the risk of stroke is still there so why take it.
I had LAA clip in January 2023 whilst having an AVR and ablation. I have opted to continue on anticoagulants as not all strokes originate from clots in the LAA.
defo go for it, this will be the full cox maze, very effective! Us mini mazers miss the ismus lines and so sometimes require an EP to go in later and do these. Having the left appendage removed reduces stroke risk by over 90%. There is a school of thought that the left appendage helps regulate blood pressure and although the right appendage takes over it’s my person experience my blood pressure is a little higher, not concerning though.
Good luck with the surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery
Yes, thank you! This is probably the only part of the procedure that I'm looking forward to! Very encouraging to get this positive reply from whom I think is the maze expert consultant on the forum!! Thank you! JimF
MummyLuv: A followup question, as most surgeons have a "god like" complex and will entertain no questions/doubts about "their" procedure.........with the maze procedure, is the blanking period the same as with ablation? Can I expect continuing ectopics/afib episodes afterwards? JimF
Yes blanking period is 3-6 months. The scarring is more complete straight away as they can see what they are doing so you are less likely to get as much afib but it can still happen. I get occasional ectopics now after 19 months, I think most people do but are just not aware of them.
I have non-symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation and had virtually the same open heart surgery at age 71. Double bypass, LAA, maze, and mitral valve flap sewn up. I have had no bad side effects and no regrets. I have a Kardia device and it still shows I have irregular heart beat although no symptoms. My wife is now 80 and has just been diagnosed with 95% blockage. She has been told she's way too old for open heart bypass surgery even though that would be her best option. If you do it now, you won't get to the age where it won't even be offered even though it's the best choice. I did mine not because I needed relief, but because I thought that at 71 I stood a better chance of success. And that if I waited, it might no longer be an option. My brother who is 83 is taking forever to recover from spinal surgery. The main reason I'm told is just his age. We'll be praying for you!
I am 89 and have AF and a mitral valve regurgitation , I do not feel well all the time, but like your wife, the doctor probably would not do open heart, the recovery would be the worst, so Jim, get it done while you are young, good luck for Jan 2 nd , my prayers are with you
They can also repair mitral valves (don't know the details) without open heart surgery. In my wife's case, they said correcting the blockages might allow the heart to repair the mitral valve issue on its own.
Hi Frazeej. I'm in a similar boat. AF has caused my left atrium to enlarge, which has distorted the annulus of my mitral valve so, I have to have ohs for a valve repair. Whilst in there, they're planning to do the Cox VI Maze, which us the original full on maze op. They don't usually do it, unless they are going in for something else.
I've been told 3 months at least off work, not ideal when you're self employed and I'm terrified, to say the least.......... as is my husband at the thought of doing housework and cooking. 😄.
"Real deal" isn't too bad. My guy said it was a BOGOF 🤣🤣🤣.
May I ask, how much notice did they give you with your op date?
Hi Ducky: They did want me to set a date at the first time I met with the surgeon, but the date was up to me. Didn't seem to be a great deal of urgency, so I piocked January 2nd, but was told I could change it if I wanted, just give them a call. The whole "interview" was kind of a blur. JimF
Crikey. I was just told I was on the list and they'd give me 2 weeks notice when a date was available. I asked if I could have a bit more notice than that as I have patients of my own I'd need to sort out, but was told, if they give me any date further along, chances are it would get moved.I've been back on the list since June (I had to have eye surgery so they had to leave an 8 wk gap between, before they'd do the heart stuff) so I'll chase them up after Christmas.
Hope all goes well for you and look forward to reading your glowing post op review. 😁
I have had LAA closure but still take apixiban. My understanding is that LAA doesn’t totally remove the risk ( based on what the surgeon told me). I am aware of discussion on this forum re whether AFib contributes to strokes so not wishing to enter that debate.
yes I suggest whilst their in there get your bonus buy. No A/F and no anticoagulant is a great deal. It shouldn’t protract your recovery. It’s true that the lla is thought to have an effect on bp, mine is slightly raised since, and requires bp medication at present to keep it in range. It also often requires you to take diuretics for a short time afterwards.
Thanks, bp meds and diuretic is no problem, taking them already (side effect free to my knowledge, in my case), so no issues with continuing same. JimF
I had a double CABG in 2019 and have had permanent AF since 1996. My surgeon at Derriford in Plymouth also occulted the left atrial appendage which significantly reduces the risk of clot/stroke. I was discharged after twelve days and recovery took several months and Cardiac Rehab in Rugby was so important and motivational. Good luck!
Frazeej, This sounds familiar to my situation. In 2021, I had open heart surgery to repair two valves. While inside, they did a LAA, repaired a hole and did a maze procedure. This was done at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I was in the hospital for 5 days. Very little pain. On the 9th day after surgery I walked a mile with no problems. Other than getting an occasional skipped beat/ectopic, I'm doing well today. I was apprehensive also, but the doctor told me the longer I waited, the less likely I would have good results. Get it done. I'm sure it will go well. Wishing you the best!
I clearly remember a scanner of my carotid arteries say "I do 2 for the price of 1 by checking out your thyroid". Free anyway via DHB public.
Then I heard "Oops you have a shadow on your thyroid, I had better have the boss look!"
This was 4 days into a stay in hospital after rushed to hospital with a stroke happening. Then AF diagnosed.
I'm coming up to my 4th neck scar to check whether cancer has returned. Cancer out 4 months post stroke, I was lucky that my surgeon took 12 right lymph nodes out as well. (2 infected also by papillary cancer).
The thyroid in trouble is a further route of your heart going heyway with AF.
Doing other procedures whilst 'in there' sounds like you will come out 'a new man'!
May be you will feel a bit 'frazzled' but look at the recovery end. You may lose your AF.
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The only reason "mini maze" is performed is because it's less invasive than open heart maze with shorter recovery time. But since they are opening up your chest anyway, definitely go for it. Very good chance it will take care of your afib and with the LAA closure you can say goodbye to thinners. Good luck with the operation.
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