Maze procedure Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Maze is a surgical procedure used to treat an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation). A surgeon creates a pattern (maze) of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) using a scalpel or a device that delivers heat or cold energy. Scar tissue doesn't conduct electricity. So the maze interferes with stray electrical heart signals that cause atrial fibrillation. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Type April 30, 2022 Print Show references Lee R. Atrial fibrillation: Surgical ablation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 18, 2021. Ferri FF. Atrial fibrillation. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 18, 2021. January CT, et al. 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS focused update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation. 2019; doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000665. Ruaengsri C, et al. The Cox-maze IV procedure in its second decade: Still the gold standard? European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. 2018; doi:10.1093/ejcts/ezx326. Bonow RO, et al., eds. Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 26, 2019. McGilvray MMO, et al. Efficacy of stand-alone Cox-Maze IV procedure in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2021; doi:10.1111/jce.15113. Related Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation Atrial flutter AV node ablation Cardiac ablation Catheter insertion points for cardiac ablation Mayo Clinic Minute: Identifying and treating atrial fibrillation Typical heartbeat Show more related content Atrial fibrillation ablationAboutDoctors & DepartmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book Maze procedureRequest an Appointment PRC-20214600 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Atrial fibrillation ablation