Early experience with the modified maze operation for atrial fibrillation with and without mitral valve surgery

A modified maze procedure using fewer atrial incisions than that originally described by Cox has been used successfully in 2 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation resistant to medical therapy and 1 patient with chronic atria) fibrillation having concomitant mitral-valve repair for mitral insufficiency. Good, short and medium term results have been obtained although atrial flutter has occurred early after surgery in 2 patients. Concomitant mitral valve replacement or repair can clearly be performed without undue increase in morbidity and mortality, and warrants further trial as maintenance of sinus rhythm may reduce long-term systemic thromboembolism.