Results from FAST, the first-ever randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical ablation (also called the mini maze procedure) for atrial fibrillation and catheter ablation for afib, were presented at the recent American Heart Association meeting. The FAST study enrolled patients who had failed a previous catheter ablation procedure. The minimally invasive surgery was much more effective at stopping atrial fibrillation than a repeat catheter ablation procedure, but there were also more complications with the surgery.
We take a detailed look at the effectiveness and safety results at:
i can attest to the fact that for me the Wolf mini maze was effective in curing my atral fibrillation. After two failed ablations I had the mini maze performed in July 2009. I have been in NSR since. The surgery and am off all afib medications.
Scott,
Congrats on your successful mini maze.
Mellanie
Scott where did you have the procedure done at?
I have had 2 failed ablations- Do they consider the age of the patient when they do ablations ? Is 70 years too old to do ablations ? The follow-op after failed ablation is not very good – They “expect ” the procedure to work yet they at present there are too many failed ablations. The Dr. does not seem understand what meds. to order -again very poor follow-op.
Christina,
I’m sorry the followup after your procedure has been poor.
Typically patients up to age 80 can have ablations (catheter and surgical), and it’s on a case-by-case basis beyond 80.
Mellanie