What does the Cox-Maze procedure involve?

The Cox-Maze procedure involves an ablation technique that requires open heart surgery to treat atrial fibrillation. This surgical intervention is designed to create a series of scars in the heart tissue to interrupt the abnormal electrical pathways that cause the irregular heartbeat associated with atrial fibrillation. By strategically making these incisions or using radiofrequency energy, the procedure establishes a new, more organized electrical pathway for the heart's conduction system.

This surgical approach is particularly effective as it aims to restore normal sinus rhythm and prevent the recurrence of atrial fibrillation, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying issues contributing to the condition. In contrast, other options listed such as medication therapy, electrical cardioversion, and endovascular techniques do not involve the same level of invasive surgical intervention and are utilized in different contexts or phases of atrial fibrillation management.