The Heart Center at Straub's "Maze" Procedure Restores Normal Beats to the Heart

6/16/2005

Reducing the risk of stroke, Hawaii's common killer

HONOLULU - Stroke is a common disease in Hawaii and is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in the state. More than 2,500 men and women are hospitalized for stroke every year in Hawaii. The usual cause of stroke, atrial fibrillation, can now be corrected with the new surgical procedure called Maze.

Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts, which cuts off oxygen to part of the brain.

Atrial fibrillation, which affects a half million people nationally, causes disturbances in the heart's normal rhythm. Maze controls irregular heartbeat and restores the normal rhythm of the heart. The Maze procedure has been reported to correct atrial fibrillation in 90 to 99 percent of people.

During the Maze procedure, Dr. Mark Grattan creates scar tissue in the atria with radio frequency waves. Formation and conduction of irregular electrical impulses are stopped at this time. The scar tissue, which does not conduct electrical activity, forms and prevents erratic electrical signals.

Straub Clinic and Hospital is an affiliate of Hawaii Pacific Health, whose mission is to provide excellence in healthcare for individuals and communities in Hawaii and the Pacific Region. The Hawaii Pacific Health network includes a full array of tertiary, specialty, and acute-care services provided through its four major medical centers, which also serve as teaching and research centers. On Oahu, Hawaii Pacific Health hospitals include Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Kapi'olani Medical Center at Pali Momi and Kapi'olani Women's Center. On Kauai, Wilcox Memorial Hospital and Kauai Medical Clinic are part of the Hawaii Pacific Health hospital-physician network.