Frequently asked questions

To schedule a consult, call our office at 707-963-7200.

Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available every day to assist you.

During your first visit, you'll have a comprehensive consultation with a surgeon to discuss your medical history and treatment options. We will review imaging, any prior procedures, and lab results if needed. We will discuss procedure information, success rates, recovery times and what to expect when you go home after surgery. 

All hospital stays vary, but typically a VATS maze patient can expect to be in the hospital for 2 days postoperatively. Any open heart procedures can expect to stay 4-7 days. 

Yes! We understand that patients travel from near and far. Adventist Health St. Helena offers Hospitality Suites for family members to stay. It is a much cheaper and closer option than the hotels in the area. 

Our team does daily rounds in the morning and afternoon. You will be seen by a surgeon and a PA every day that you are here. We will review the plan for the day and see if anything needs to be adjusted in your care plan. 

Everyone varies greatly, but most patients report feeling back to their normal selves (if not better) in about 3-5 months depending on their procedure. 

We will see you either in the office or virtually at the 4-week mark. You will need to continue your care with a cardiologist as well and they will manage your care long-term. 

Yes, you will have pain and soreness. Pain is controlled with medications and we manage your pain closely to allow you to take a deep breath and be able to ambulate a few times a day. The better you breathe and the more you walk, the sooner you will be able to go home. 

All open heart procedures are admitted to the ICU after surgery and stay there for 1-2 days and then are transferred to the Heart and Vascular Unit. VATS maze patients go directly to the HVU.