What to Expect Before and After the Atrial Maze Procedure
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Elizabeth L Perkins
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Published on Friday 5th 2010
In 1987, Dr James Cox developed a surgical method called the maze procedure for treating patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (Afib)
In 1987, Dr. James Cox developed a surgical method called the maze procedure for treating patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation (Afib). This is a type of arrhythmia. Normally, electrical impulses are generated by a group of cells called the sinoatrial node. These impulses spread throughout the heart's upper and lower chambers (i.e. atria and ventricles, respectively) and cause them to contract. They work in unison, which makes it possible for your heart to pump blood effectively.
With Afib, the impulses are generated elsewhere and spread throughout the upper chambers in a disorganized pattern. This causes the upper chambers to fibrillate out of sync with the ventricles. As a result, the heart becomes less capable of pumping blood.
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, maze surgery may be a viable option. This article will describe what you can expect before and after the operation.
Preparing For The Operation
Your doctor will want you to make an appointment one or two weeks prior to the surgery. This is the time during which he or she will inform you about the procedure, recovery, and returning to your regular routine afterward. You will likely have an opportunity to meet the surgical team, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
The night prior to surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking. You can then check yourself into the hospital the following day. Your chest will be shaved and cleaned while your heart will be monitored. Then, you'll receive a general anesthesia to put you to sleep before the maze procedure begins.
Maze surgery usually takes a couple of hours and possibly less if the surgeon is performing the operation with a minimally invasive approach.
Recovering In The Hospital
After the operation has been finished, you'll be transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) where you'll remain for up to two days. During your stay there, your physician will want to monitor your heart and other vital signs. Breathing tubes and related equipment will be connected and a catheter will be inserted to preclude the need to use the restroom.
The breathing tubes are typically removed after several hours. You'll be transferred from the ICU into a general recovery ward where your doctor and nurses can continue to observe your progress. After five to seven days, if there are no complications, you will be released from the hospital.
Recovering At Home
The length of your at-home recovery period depends upon a few factors. Your health prior to undergoing maze surgery plays a role. So too, does the surgeon's approach (i.e. minimally invasive versus open heart surgery). Most patients can recover within six to eight weeks, and return to their normal routine a few weeks later.
While recovering at home, you'll need to be diligent about taking any medications prescribed by your surgeon. You should also make sure the incision and the skin surrounding the area is cleaned on a regular basis. You will likely feel some degree of soreness as the area heals. That's normal and will subside with time.
Your doctor will encourage you to adopt a healthy diet and mild exercise routine in order to rehabilitate your heart. Follow-up appointments will include a physical test to monitor your heart's strength and identify any risks that might present a problem down the road.
Returning To Your Normal Activities
Within three months, you should be able to return to work and participate in your normal activities. It's worth noting that one in three patients will experience a recurrence of atrial fibrillation after undergoing the maze procedure. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms. Gradually (within a year), your heart will adopt a normal rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is not always dangerous. It can often be managed by medications. That said, if you feel the condition is impacting your quality of life, consult your doctor regarding whether the maze procedure is an appropriate treatment path.
With Afib, the impulses are generated elsewhere and spread throughout the upper chambers in a disorganized pattern. This causes the upper chambers to fibrillate out of sync with the ventricles. As a result, the heart becomes less capable of pumping blood.
If you suffer from atrial fibrillation, maze surgery may be a viable option. This article will describe what you can expect before and after the operation.
Preparing For The Operation
Your doctor will want you to make an appointment one or two weeks prior to the surgery. This is the time during which he or she will inform you about the procedure, recovery, and returning to your regular routine afterward. You will likely have an opportunity to meet the surgical team, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
The night prior to surgery, you should avoid eating or drinking. You can then check yourself into the hospital the following day. Your chest will be shaved and cleaned while your heart will be monitored. Then, you'll receive a general anesthesia to put you to sleep before the maze procedure begins.
Maze surgery usually takes a couple of hours and possibly less if the surgeon is performing the operation with a minimally invasive approach.
Recovering In The Hospital
After the operation has been finished, you'll be transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) where you'll remain for up to two days. During your stay there, your physician will want to monitor your heart and other vital signs. Breathing tubes and related equipment will be connected and a catheter will be inserted to preclude the need to use the restroom.
The breathing tubes are typically removed after several hours. You'll be transferred from the ICU into a general recovery ward where your doctor and nurses can continue to observe your progress. After five to seven days, if there are no complications, you will be released from the hospital.
Recovering At Home
The length of your at-home recovery period depends upon a few factors. Your health prior to undergoing maze surgery plays a role. So too, does the surgeon's approach (i.e. minimally invasive versus open heart surgery). Most patients can recover within six to eight weeks, and return to their normal routine a few weeks later.
While recovering at home, you'll need to be diligent about taking any medications prescribed by your surgeon. You should also make sure the incision and the skin surrounding the area is cleaned on a regular basis. You will likely feel some degree of soreness as the area heals. That's normal and will subside with time.
Your doctor will encourage you to adopt a healthy diet and mild exercise routine in order to rehabilitate your heart. Follow-up appointments will include a physical test to monitor your heart's strength and identify any risks that might present a problem down the road.
Returning To Your Normal Activities
Within three months, you should be able to return to work and participate in your normal activities. It's worth noting that one in three patients will experience a recurrence of atrial fibrillation after undergoing the maze procedure. Your doctor may prescribe medications to lessen the symptoms. Gradually (within a year), your heart will adopt a normal rhythm.
Atrial fibrillation is not always dangerous. It can often be managed by medications. That said, if you feel the condition is impacting your quality of life, consult your doctor regarding whether the maze procedure is an appropriate treatment path.