What is the primary purpose of the MAZE procedure?

The primary purpose of the MAZE procedure is to prevent recurrent atrial fibrillation. This surgical intervention is designed to create a series of precise incisions in the atrial tissue of the heart. By forming a 'maze' of scars, the procedure helps to disrupt the abnormal electrical pathways that cause atrial fibrillation, thereby restoring a more normal heart rhythm. This can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications associated with persistent atrial fibrillation, such as stroke and heart failure.

In the context of the other options, while correcting mitral stenosis, ablating the AV node, and amputation of the left atrial appendage are all relevant to different cardiac conditions or procedures, they do not address the core intention of the MAZE procedure, which focuses specifically on managing and eliminating atrial fibrillation. Thus, preventing recurrent atrial fibrillation is the most accurate description of what the MAZE procedure aims to achieve.