After surgery, you will likely spend 1–2 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and several more days in a regular nursing unit, for a total of 5–7 days in the hospital. Recovery takes about 6–8 weeks.
About one-third of patients experience some atrial fibrillation or skipped heartbeats within a few weeks or months after maze surgery due to swelling and inflammation of atrial tissue. In addition, some patients require a pacemaker following surgery. In those cases, afib may have masked underlying issues with their sinus (sinoatrial) node, the heart’s natural pacemaker.
You will likely be placed on a blood thinner (anticoagulant) for a few months afterward. In addition, patients experiencing afib episodes or atrial flutter when being discharged from the hospital may be asked to take antiarrhythmic drugs for a few months. A diuretic may also be prescribed to decrease fluid retention.
Atrial Fibrillation Patient Conference
Featuring World-Renowned Afib Experts
Get ReplaysMellanie True Hills
Founder & CEO, StopAfib.org
After leaving the hospital, patients typically check with their doctors within a week and follow up with their cardiologists within a month. Then, they have an EKG at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and each year afterward.
To learn about minimally invasive surgical ablation, called the mini maze procedure, see Mini Maze Procedure (Surgical Ablation).
StopAfib.org was created for patients by patients to provide accurate information and genuine support for those affected by atrial fibrillation. Explore our online community and connect with other patients, families, and caregivers.
