An energy source is used in both open-heart maze surgical ablations and closed-chest minimally invasive (mini maze) afib surgeries to create scar tissue that blocks abnormal electrical activity. The lines of scarred tissue are called lesion lines or ablation lines. Research has proven that surgical ablation is nearly as effective as cut-and-sew surgeries but is much faster to accomplish.
In the earliest surgeries, surgeons had to estimate the time required for ablation, which varied by patient due to differences in heart wall thickness. Newer devices measure electrical conductivity and determine whether the ablation line is transmural, which means that conduction block has been achieved.
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A variety of surgical ablation energy sources may be used:
To learn more about hybrid procedures that combine minimally invasive surgery and catheter ablation, see Hybrid Ablation Procedures.
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