Perspectives of non-pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation – the MAZE procedure

Overview

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the population and its prevalence is increasing due to the aging of patients and social-civilization processes as well. Although pharmacological treatment is still the first line of therapy, it is not sufficiently effective, mainly in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Therefore, development of non-pharmacological treatment has been very dynamic in the last decade. It is mainly represented by catheter ablation and open heart treatment - MAZE procedure. Surgical treatment for chronic forms of atrial fibrillation is the most effective procedure.

Recent years have seen the gradual development of modifications to the MAZE procedure utilising different energy sources (radiofrequency, cryoenergy, ultrasound, microwaves, laser) with increasing safety and efficacy, and which have also helped reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures.

This article summarizes the status of surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in the world and in the Czech Republic.

Key words:
atrial fibrillation, MAZE procedure, non-pharmacological treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.