Maze procedure Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print The maze procedure is a treatment for an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib). A surgeon uses heat or cold energy or a scalpel to create a pattern of scar tissue in the upper chambers of the heart. The pattern is called a maze. The heart's electrical signals can't pass through the scar tissue. So the maze can block faulty heart signals that cause AFib. Request an appointment Type April 09, 2024 Print Show references Lee R. Atrial fibrillation: Surgical ablation. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 16, 2023. 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. Libby P, et al., eds. Atrial fibrillation: Clinical features, mechanisms, and management. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 11, 2022. 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. Kaba RA, et al. A chronicle of hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation therapy: From Cox maze to convergent. Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Review. 2022; doi:10.15420/aer.2022.05. Bonow RO, et al., eds. Atrial fibrillation: Clinical features, mechanisms and management. In: Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed March 23, 2023. Atrial fibrillation. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350630. Accessed Oct. 24, 2023. Rowse PG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Oct. 30, 2023. 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 atMayoClinic 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 IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo 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