Description
This retractor/attachment is designed to provide exposure of the pulmonary veins and atrial appendage during the Maze procedure or other operations for atrial fibrillation that include pulmonary vein ablation. Visualization of these structures is challenging using standard retractors.
After the left atriotomy is constructed, the self-retaining Maze retractor is placed. A blade is positioned over the mitral annulus. This configuration distracts the mitral valve toward the patient’s left, thereby exposing the left pulmonary veins. A second blade is placed cephalad, exposing the orifice of the left atrial appendage. The Maze procedure or pulmonary vein isolation is then completed with excellent exposure, with the assistant’s hands free for other tasks.