Mini Maze?

[Mileena46]

Anyone know what a mini maze is..I was under the impression that I had an ablation during my valve replacement, but upon really looking at a bill I got today from the surgeon, it states that I also had a mini-maze procedure.

Is this and the ablation the same?

Mileena

 

[river-wear]

Hi Mileena,

I don't have any experience with MAZE procedures, but I found this link that might help explain: http://www.minimaze.org/minimazesurgery.htm

Here's a highlight:
During the Wolf minimaze, the surgeon places clamp-like tool on the left atrium near the pulmonary veins, and ablation is performed by heating the atrial tissue between the jaws of the clamp, cauterizing the area, much like a catheter ablation. The nerves that cause AF are in the area and are eliminated as well. In many institutions, the surgeon and the electrophysiologist work closely together to ensure that the ablation is complete, and that the overactive nerves are no longer a problem. In addition, the Ligament of Marshall is removed. It is a vestige of a vein that was required during fetal development, but is no longer needed. In fact, it has been found to be one of the areas that can cause AF in patients who otherwise have a normal heart. Finally, the part of the left atrium (the “appendage”) in which most clots form is removed, which may reduce the long-term likelihood of stroke even if AF were to return.

Wikipedia has an entry about it as well. Hope this helps!

 

[Mileena46]

Thanks Michelle!

It is just odd to me that no one mentioned that this was done to me! How do you do major stuff like that and not tell the patient? Until I got that bill yesterday I had no idea! AND I went into A-fib anyway.....about 20 days out!

Mileena

 

[Mileena46]

So, after reading that article I can assume that once I come off my Amiodarone...(if they can pry it from my dying hands!) I would stay in sinus rhythm! That it may actually be this procedure that is keeping my heart beating normally instead of this drug!! BUT I think I am addicted to Amiodarone! When my cardio took 300 of my 400mg from me IT HURT!

Mileena

Edit: I also never had or saw an electrophysiologist...whatever that is!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

An ElectroPhysiologist is a Cardiologist who specializes in the Electrical Functions of the Heart, i.e. it's Internal Pacemaker.

I'm thinking that it takes some time (months?) for the MAZE procedure to become fully effective and that is why medication is used until that happens. Check with your Surgeon (or Cardiologist)!

MY understanding of Amiodarone Dosing is that 400mg is the Loading Dose which typically lasts for maybe a couple of weeks, then is reduced to 200 mg which is the Maintenance Dose. Your Pharmacist can give you more complete (and accurate Information.

Have you read the Information Sheet on Amiodarone?
Do you know the possible side effects from Too Much or Too Long on this drug? Even the FDA has a warning about these effects with Too Much / Too Long.

 

[Mileena46]

Yes Al I have read it. The problem is....I feel the steady beat of my heart is directly related to the Amiodarone. I take only 100 mg a day, not 200. I have been unwilling (as you all know) to change or stop my dose because I am happy with my heart right now.

BUT since reading this article that Michelle sent me a link to, I may be able to come off it and expect to stay out of A-Fib. I am 5 months post op, with no signs of going back out of rhythm since early August.

The thought of going back into A-fib scares me really bad. It was a horrible feeling, with a high HR, not to mention having to be in the hospital again! I guess I tend to think in "right now" and not long term because the concept of liver damage down the road compared to having a steady HB now is no comparsion to me!

BTW, I did the test required of me from the Amiodarone clinic, and they were all very good! Including my thyroid levels. I am still on medication for that and wonder if now isn't the time to get rid of at least that one!

Mileena

 

[river-wear]

What does Amiodarone have to do with thyroid function? Does it suppress it? Is the effect temporary?

 

[Cris N]

What does Amiodarone have to do with thyroid function? Does it suppress it? Is the effect temporary?

This is a good link: http://www.mythyroid.com/amiodarone.html

 

[Cris N]

Yes Al I have read it. The problem is....I feel the steady beat of my heart is directly related to the Amiodarone. I take only 100 mg a day, not 200. I have been unwilling (as you all know) to change or stop my dose because I am happy with my heart right now.

BUT since reading this article that Michelle sent me a link to, I may be able to come off it and expect to stay out of A-Fib. I am 5 months post op, with no signs of going back out of rhythm since early August.

The thought of going back into A-fib scares me really bad. It was a horrible feeling, with a high HR, not to mention having to be in the hospital again! I guess I tend to think in "right now" and not long term because the concept of liver damage down the road compared to having a steady HB now is no comparsion to me!

BTW, I did the test required of me from the Amiodarone clinic, and they were all very good! Including my thyroid levels. I am still on medication for that and wonder if now isn't the time to get rid of at least that one!

Mileena

This might be a good time to have a discussion with your cardio about weaning off the A. I certainly understand your reluctance to deal with A-fib again - but - there's a very good chance that your heart has had enough time to learn how to play nice.

I was on A. for a month and my EP dr had me quit cold turkey. I was scared silly, but it worked out fine for me.

 

[river-wear]

Thank you, Cris.

Mileena - good luck when your doctor takes you off of the Amiodarone. It does look like the treatment you had should be a more permanent fix for the A-fib.

 

[Mileena46]

Thanks cris and river-wear. I am not ready to come off the Amiodarone just yet. See my statement about pulling it from my dying hands! I know I need too....but not just yet.


Mileena