On the day of surgery, the most important thing to do is to relax. You are in excellent hands at Yavapai Cardiac Surgery!
Be sure to arrive at the hospital a few minutes before your scheduled arrival time so you have time to find the right location in the hospital to check in.
Be sure to leave all valuables such as money, credit cards, jewelry, etc. at home.
Family members can stay with you and meet your anesthesiologist and surgical team. Be sure to let your anesthesiologist know if you’ve had previous issues with anesthesia.
When you are escorted in for surgery, your family can wait for you in the surgery waiting area.
Once your surgical team is ready and you’ve been prepped, you’ll be taken to the operating room and you’ll be put to sleep with medication through an IV. Additional IV lines may be added, as well as a breathing tube to help you breathe while you’re asleep, and a catheter to remove urine.
Depending on the type of surgery you’re having, your surgeon will choose the appropriate incision and technique.
After cardiac surgery, your doctor will admit you to the hospital’s cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU). Most patients are still intubated on a breathing machine at this time. When you are awake and strong enough, the breathing tube is removed, usually within 3-6 hours after surgery.
To keep you comfortable and calm, you may receive additional medications. In most cases, your family can sit with you during this recovery time.
Immediately after surgery, you may have chest tubes (drains), as well as an arterial line in your arm and central venous lines in your neck. These will be removed over the next few days as you continue to improve.
During recovery, you may receive extra oxygen through a face mask or nasal prongs that fit just inside your nose. You’ll wear these until your doctor determines you’re receiving sufficient oxygen on your own.
Be sure to check the individual hospital websites for information on visitor hours, parking and other available amenities.
The average post-op hospital stay is 4-7 days, but how long you stay in the hospital depends on the type of procedure and your pre-operative condition.
Your doctor will discuss your new medications, the instructions for wound care, and any restrictions with you and your family before you’re discharged.
When you’re discharged, you’ll usually receive new medications. Your surgeon will determine when you should resume your pre-operative medications. DO NOT start taking your previous medications without your doctor’s instruction and supervision.