After being diagnosed with a heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, aortic valve disease, mitral valve disease, or tricuspid valve disease, you likely will have a meeting with a cardiothoracic surgeon to discuss your treatment options.
He/she will describe the operative procedure, including the risks and benefits and other potential options. It is also likely that someone from his/her office, such as a physician assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse will describe the postoperative course in more detail.
The more you know about your operation and what to expect in the first few days after, the smoother your recovery will be. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, so that you are comfortable with your decisions going into the operation.
Before your operation, you may require tests to help your surgeon make decisions about your risks, anesthesia choices, and managing your recovery.
These tests may include:
Before surgery, it is essential that you notify your cardiothoracic surgeon of all medications or herbal supplements you take and their dosages, especially if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).
These medications and supplements include, but are not limited to:
Preparing for surgery can be scary, but any time you are undergoing general anesthesia it is important for your family to understand your wishes. Be sure to appoint someone in your family to make decisions about your care in the event that you are unable. Discuss your medical history with whomever you appoint so that he or she is aware of any allergies or prior conditions that may affect your surgery.
It also is good to discuss what could happen if you have a complication during or after surgery so that your wishes are known.
Sometimes patients require additional care after surgery. This can range from a skilled nursing facility to at-home physical therapy. If you anticipate needing additional care, be sure to let your surgeon know as soon as possible so that any medical equipment or consultants can be ordered. Our Nurse Care Managers and Social Workers will work with you and your insurance to provide the home care you may require.
Also, keep in mind that your insurance may not cover everything, so you should plan ahead for additional expenses.
If you qualify for a nursing facility, our Nurse Care Managers and Social Workers will help make this placement. Encourage family members to look at facilities early so your discharge is not delayed.
You will also be seen by a representative from cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation programs offered through your hospital or one nearby benefit patients who are already at home as a way to ease back into exercise and a healthier lifestyle. You will require a prescription for admittance (usually from your cardiologist) and should wait at least 4-6 weeks after surgery to start the program.
Make sure to arrive at the designated location at your hospital on time. Though there may be a significant waiting period before you are actually taken to the operating room, you don’t want your operation delayed because you are late.
You will be given a skin prep (usually with a name like Hibiclens scrub) to shower with the night before and the morning of surgery. You also may want to pack a bag with some essentials (toiletries, books, slippers, etc.) to take with you to the hospital. This is not necessary, but may make your stay more comfortable. Do not bring anything valuable.
You will be given specific instructions from your surgical team, but you likely will be instructed not to eat, drink, smoke or chew anything after midnight. This includes chewing gum or sucking on candies. If your anesthesiologist finds out that you have violated this rule, your surgery may be postponed for your safety.
The morning of your surgery, do not take any of your medications (unless otherwise directed by your surgeon), chew gum, or drink liquid (except small sips of water to take required medications).