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General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Published in: General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 3/2017

01-03-2017 | Review Article

Development of the Maze procedure and the contribution of Japanese surgeons

Authors: Shinya Takahashi, Taijiro Sueda

Published in: General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery | Issue 3/2017

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Abstract

Objective

The Cox-Maze procedure is the most popular surgical procedure in the world for eliminating atrial fibrillation (AF). Japanese surgeons performed and modified its procedure. This review describes the concept of the Maze procedure, modifications of the Maze procedure and findings related to the Maze procedure obtained by Japanese surgeons.

Methods

Original Cox-Maze procedures and modified Maze procedures developed by Japanese surgeons were reviewed chronologically.

Results

Japanese surgeons modified Cox-Maze II and III procedures, including Kosakai-Maze procedure, Cryo-Maze procedure, the Radial approach and the left atrial Maze procedure, and there were many midterm and long-term clinical results of the original and modified Maze procedures especially for AF associated with mitral valve disease. These modifications may be possible to elucidate the mechanism of paroxysmal AF. The mechanism of persistent AF is presumed to be multiple reentry based on the success of surgical approaches as well as electrophysiological study.

Conclusion

Japanese surgeons have modified and simplified the Maze procedure, and have improved the Maze procedure as well as helped to clarify the mechanisms of AF.
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Metadata
Title
Development of the Maze procedure and the contribution of Japanese surgeons
Authors
Shinya Takahashi
Taijiro Sueda
Publication date
01-03-2017
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery / Issue 3/2017
Print ISSN: 1863-6705
Electronic ISSN: 1863-6713
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11748-016-0728-y

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