Atrial Fibrillation Services - Specialized Procedures
This page provides information about a featured electrophysiologist, cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, hospital, heart hospital, arrhythmia center, or atrial fibrillation center.
On this page you will find information about this atrial fibrillation patient services provider's specialized atrial fibrillation treatments, such as catheter ablation, maze surgery, or the mini maze procedure, as well as the provider's afib procedure results, if available.
The link back to the Full Profile will take you to a profile of this provider that has background, an overview of the atrial fibrillation treatments provided, and a link to reviews by other afib patients, if available.
John Pigott, MD
1415 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana
504-988-6239
Specialized Procedures and Results
The Minimally Invasive Mini Maze
Many patients with atrial fibrillation are able to be treated by a minimally invasive approach. This procedure, the Mini Maze, uses radio frequency energy to electrically isolate the areas responsible for triggering atrial fibrillation. These areas are in the lung veins and left atrium. In addition, the left atrial appendage, which may be responsible for strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, is removed.
The procedure is called minimally invasive because the incisions are generally 2 inches or less and are located on each side of the chest. Sternotomy (dividing the breastbone) is not necessary.
Dr. Pigott has performed the Mini Maze since the Fall of 2005 and currently trains other physicians in the procedure.
Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation will have a greater than 70% success rate with the Mini Maze.
Patients with intermittent (paroxysmal) atrial fibrillation will have a greater than 90% success rate with the Mini Maze.
Open Maze
Some patients are not appropriate candidates for a Mini Maze. These patients may still be successfully treated for atrial fibrillation by the Open Maze. The Open Maze does involve open heart surgery. The cure rate for patients undergoing an Open Maze is greater than 95%.
Other patients with atrial fibrillation may also have coronary artery disease or heart valve disease for which open heart surgery is indicated. The Open Maze can be performed at the same time as coronary artery bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery.
