Wolf Mini-Maze Procedure

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) can be successfully treated by the Wolf Mini-Maze procedure, performed by Dr. Randall Wolf at Deaconess Hospital. Pioneered by Dr. Wolf in 2003, the minimally-invasive Wolf Mini-Maze uses radiofrequency ablation to isolate the pulmonary veins where the AF triggers are located. Ablation, or burning, is performed through mini-incisions and a micro-camera, avoiding the open heart surgery or rib-splitting technique. At the same time, the left atrial appendage is removed endoscopically. The appendage is a thumb-shaped pocket where blood can pool, potentially causing blood clots.

The Wolf Mini-Maze is thought to be an effective alternate to open heart surgery, usually with a 2-3 day stay. For more information, go to www.wolfminimaze.com.


Open Heart Surgery

When open heart surgery is indicated, patients can feel secure knowing that the cardiac surgeons at Deaconess have the expertise that results in excellent outcomes. The same personal care that is the Deaconess trademark can be found in the cardiac surgery unit. Whether the procedure is a bypass or valve replacement, each patient receives personal attention from one small group, who are the only staff to handle all of the cardiac surgery patients.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery detours any blockages by bypassing the damaged artery with a healthy vessel taken from the leg or chest wall.

Heart Valve Replacement is used for problem heart valves due to congenital defects or illness such as rheumatic fever or bacterial infections.


Cardiac Interventions

At Deaconess, the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory offers state-of-the-art equipment for diagnostic and therapeutic angiography, such as:

  • coronary arteriography
  • right and left heart catheterization
  • cardioversion
  • pericardiocentesis
  • percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
  • coronary stent implant
  • coronary atherectomy
  • permanent pacemakers
  • implantable cardio defibrillators
  • myocardial biopsy

Cardiac problems can also be pinpointed by tests performed by skilled team members in the Special Diagnostic and Diagnostic Imaging Areas.

  • Echocardiogram
  • EKG
  • transesophageal echo
  • stress testing
  • holter monitering
  • nuclear medicine
  • myocardial stress/rest test
  • MUGA scan
  • Pyrophosphate study (PYP)
  • CT Scan
  • Coronary artery calcium scoring

For more information on the prevention, diagnosis and management of heart disease, go to www.americanheart.org
 
Deaconess Hospital