5 box Thorascoscope maze done on me 9/17

[Pete0629]

Hi all, just letting you all know I had this procedure done last Friday at Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital. Dr Sirak is one of the innovators of this minimal invasive procedure. To save time and learn more you can go Ohioafib.com.

The advantage of this procedure over a typical ablation is it is much more affective on my condition, persistant, afib. It is more thorough and has better longterm results.It is definatley not a walk in the park. It is more invasive than the popular cardiac ablation, but as I said more affective on my type of afib, from the research I have done.

I am going to answer as many questions as I can in order to help people that are considering the procedure.

From what I have understood the procedure is " in network" in my United Healthcare insurance network. But I haven't seen any bills yet so only time will tell.
The worst part of the surgery is , to me, the feeling, weakness, and psycotic feeling from the  anethstetic and pain killers, I hate em! I actually hallucinated on them and they lingered for days. I did talk to others that have had surgery and they didn't have the same reaction , so it may be just me. I had essentially 2 nurses taking care of me in my room, one for general house keeping and care and the other a cardiac nurse. Both were professional and caring to the max. I also, being a single guy, developed a crush on my nurse in the OR, but I'll save that story for my buddys.
I have 10 incisions on my body, under my arms across my chest and 2 drain holes below my ribs. Small ones 1/2 inch long. Another concern I had was the whole BM issue, but I can report this morning I'm happy in that area.
I am on several meds for the shorterm. Mainly, as Dr Sirak told me, my heart has burns on it for the moment and need to heal, there will probably be inconsistant reactions to the inflammation over the next few weeks, but eventually I'll be taken off most or all the meds.

I'm not out playing tennis again, yet, but that is in my sites.

Any more questions? I'll be home the rest of the week and happy to let you know my experience.

Pete

[Mike2496]

I was in permanent AFib for over three years. I had my procedure ( totally thoroscopic mini maze ) performed at Kaiser in San Francisco. It was a breeze. In and out in four days. Three enjoyable weeks off work. I'd do it again without a moments hesitation. Have been in perfect NSR for six months. No longer worried about possible long term damage to my heart from continuous AFib. This procedure with Dr. Cain has produced a 96.8% success rate at the 6 months.

Mike in Walnut Creek, CA

[BillG1961]

Name is bill; scheduled Tuesday june 27 with dr sirak;  we have only spoken briefly on phone as i am from Connecticut.researched on 'net.
I had no second thoughts until this morning.  Have been  'permanently' in Afib, effectively asymptomatic, for 3+ years managed by 50 mg atenolol and of course the rat poison a/k/a coumidin.  i turn 50 next month in very good health other than managed 'severe' OSA( obstructuve sleep apnea).
I do what i want, feel bascially great, just a bit more tired than i should be.

due to a low CHAD score, if was NOT on coumidin for 6 months or more, and did go thru what appeared to be a TIA but was officially diagniosed as a very minor stroke in January 2011.

So, if any of you were me, would you endure even a procedure as 'good' as Dr Sirak's, or resign yourself to Afib and its risks possibly forever??

[Pete0629]

Hey there everyone!

Just wanted to drop in and see how everyone is doing these days. I have pretty much gone on to a yahoo site where there are people who have had the same procedure as me. I am doing really well these days. still in NSR and continue to be off all meds. Hope to hear from everyone that supported me during my recovery.

Take care all.
Pete

[WKO]

Hello:    Dr Sirak can be found by googling him at Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio.  I had the TTM or 5 box procedure in November, 2010, and have dropped all meds except the coumadin.   Currently in NSR and am currently wearing a holter monitor to verify ongoing normal sinus rhythm.  If so, will drop the coumadin and be med free.  Hooray.  Good luck,   Wayne

[DeltaDawn23]

Could you give me Dr. Sirak's website?  And where does he practice?  and what exactly is the 5 box procedure?  I'm in paroxamal AFib, apparently moving toward persistent.  Spent 4 days in the hospital over Christmas and do not want to repeat that.  It sounds so good for you all to be back to good health with this procedure.  Guess I'm looking at my probable future and grateful to  have all this information with the experiences you 've shared.  I'd like to hear more about the 5 box.  Thanks.

[annie1724]

Hey Pete!

I've been wondering how you and all the other 5 Boxers have been doing!  Glad to hear you are doing great and having no afib.  That's wonderful news!  Hope the other 5 Boxers are doing just as well!

Annie