Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation

You will have to stay in the hospital for about 7 to 10 days. Most people spend the first 2 or 3 days after surgery in an intensive care unit (ICU) where they can be closely monitored. You will be encouraged to walk within 1 to 2 days of your surgery.

Discomfort in the chest, ribs, and shoulders is common within the first several days following surgery. Your doctor will order pain medicines to help control this discomfort.

Medicines called diuretics are used to control fluid buildup immediately after surgery. Your doctor may have you take a diuretic at home for several weeks following surgery.

You may need to take an Reference anticoagulant, such as warfarin (Coumadin, for example), after the procedure. But this is usually determined on a case-by-case basis.

Recovery is generally complete within 6 to 8 weeks following surgery. Some people have discomfort at the chest incision for several months following surgery.

You will be able to get back to your normal activities within 3 months of surgery. You may feel more tired than usual, but most people are back to normal within 6 months.

Newer, less invasive surgical techniques are being developed. These techniques should reduce the recovery time needed for this surgery.

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