Jonathan D. Hoffberger DO, FACOS, FACS
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    • Home
    • Procedures
      • Minimally Invasive
      • Aortic Valve Disease
      • Coronary Artery Disease
      • Atrial Fibrillation
      • Mitral Valve
      • TAVR
    • About
      • Dr. Hoffberger
      • Testimonials
    • Honors
    • Contact Us
    • Accessibility
Jonathan D. Hoffberger DO, FACOS, FACS
  • Home
  • Procedures
  • About
  • Honors
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility

Atrial Fibrillation

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rate (arrhythmia) that commonly causes poor blood flow. The heart's upper chambers (atria) beat out of coordination with the lower chambers (ventricles). This condition may have no symptoms, but when symptoms do appear they include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Risks Of Atrial Fibrillation

  • Atrial fibrillation increases stroke rate 3-5 times
  • Atrial fibrillation is responsible for 15-20% of all strokes
  • ​Atrial fibrillation increases death rate 2 fold 

Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

  • The surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation
  • Also known as Surgical Ablation
  • Using radio waves, freezing, microwave, or ultrasound energy scar tissue is created in the atria (top chambers) of the heart
  • The scar tissue blocks the abnormal conduction of electrical signals
  • The correct signals are directed along a path, or maze to the ventricles (lower chambers) of the heart
  • Can be performed alone or as part of any other open heart surgery
  • Can be performed minimally invasive 

Indications for Maze Procedure

  •  Rhythm-control medication has not relieved your symptoms
  • You have atrial fibrillation and are undergoing heart surgery for another reason
  • You cannot have catheter ablation
  • You have already had catheter ablation, but still have atrial fibrillation

What to Expect After Surgery

  •  Depending on how the surgery was performed will determine short term recovery
  • You may need to take anticoagulants after the procedure
  • Recovery is typically 6-8 weeks following surgery (may be shorter if performed minimally invasive)
  • The Maze procedure can stop atrial fibrillation in 7-9 people out of 10
  • 10-30% may still need to take medication to control their heart rhythm
  •  Some patients undergoing the Maze Procedure may need a pacemaker after the procedure and this is thought to be due to underlying disease of the SA node.


Ranked # 1

Sarasota Memorial Hospital has been ranked #1 for Best Hospitals for Heart Attack Care. Set up a consultation today with Dr. Hoffberger: 941-917-8791

3-Star Rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons

One of just three cardiac programs in the United States and Canada, in 2019, Sarasota Memorial Hospital earned the highest 3-Star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for patient care and outcomes in all five adult cardiac surgery procedures STS measures - Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass (CABG), Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, Isolated Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair (MVRR) and MVRR + CABG. 


Denoting the highest category of quality among hospitals, the cardiac surgery team is among the top performers of more than 3,800 participating cardiothoracic surgeons.


Founded in 1964, STS is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,600 surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, and esophagus, as well as other surgical procedures within the chest.



  • Home
  • Minimally Invasive
  • Aortic Valve Disease
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Mitral Valve
  • TAVR
  • Testimonials
  • Honors
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility

Jonathan D. Hoffberger, DO, FACOS, FACS

1540 S. Tamiami Trail, 303, Sarasota FL

941-917-8791

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