Evaluation and Surgery

Evaluation Process

A preoperative visit as an outpatient is dedicated to complete the pre-surgery evaluation and to receive information to prepare for surgery. The surgeon confirms the indication of the surgery, the choice of the surgical approach for the procedure, the appropriate technique and the risk assessment. He may order additional tests, if necessary. These tests may include a cardiac catheterization, cardiac CT scan, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood-work or urinalysis.

Surgery

 

Before Surgery

You will be admitted the day before the operation. Each patient room is private single occupancy. The surgeon will review your medical records and test results. He may order additional tests, if necessary. These tests may include a cardiac catheterization, cardiac CT scan, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, blood-work or urinalysis.

You will meet one of our Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists who is specially trained to administer anesthesia for cardiac surgery patients.

 

After Surgery

After surgery on the heart is complete, the surgeon will update the family.

Immediately after your surgery, you will be cared for by a team of specially trained nurses in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CCU). Their goal is to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible. Along with your surgeon, members of the cardiothoracic anesthesia and surgical teams who took care of you in the operating room will continue to follow your progress in the CCU.

 

Surgical Recovery

Patients recover on a post-cardiovascular surgery nursing floor (also called a telemetry unit or step-down unit). Each patient room is private single occupancy.

During this time, you will begin your recovery phase. You will be encouraged to do as much as you can for yourself to assist in regaining strength and independence.

The balance of pain control and increasing activity will help you recover at a faster pace.

Your health care team includes doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who specialize in your condition and treatment.  The team will follow your progress and help you recover as quickly and safely as possible. You will receive a patient recovery plan that will show you what to expect as you progress.

 

Discharge to Home

Your surgical team will determine when you can go home.

The average hospital stay after surgery is about 5-6 days, depending on the type of procedure that was performed and your rate of recovery. Your health care team will follow your progress and help you recover as quickly as possible.

On the day of discharge, please have your family member arrive well before 11 a.m. to participate in your discharge planning and home-going instructions.

You will have an appointment in the Post-Op Clinic 3-5 days after you leave the hospital. The appointment is very important. We will make sure your recovery is going well and that your medications are correct. Finally, adhesion to a rehabilitation program is highly recommended.