Heart Surgery

Summary

This new video addresses the fears and concerns that heart valve surgery patients may have. It explains what they can expect from the time of admission to the ICU experience immediately following surgery. The video helps patients understand why heart surgery is needed and gives them an overview of what will be done in surgery.

Details

This program reviews your procedure and what you can expect before surgery, and immediately afterwards. Knowing what to expect can help relieve your fears. It can also better prepare you for surgery, and the start of your recovery.

• The heart is a muscle which continuously pumps blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
• Explanation of Heart Valve Surgery
  • Inside the heart are four heart valves
  • These valves allow blood to move forward as the chambers of your heart contract, and prevent it from flowing backwards when the chambers relax.
  • Sometimes these valves can weaken, or become damaged:
    • This prevents them from opening and closing properly.
    • It can lead to a backup of blood in the heart chambers.
  • Heart Valve Surgery can be performed to either repair, or replace a valve:
    • A valve can be replaced with either a mechanical valve, or a tissue valve.
    • Your health care team will go over the one that is best for you prior to surgery.

• Before Surgery:
  • You will be given a gown to wear in the operating room, and be asked to remove jewelry and other personal items.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form and provide contact information.
  • Members of the surgical staff who will talk to you about your procedure:
    • Risks will be explained.
    • Discuss allergies you may have.
    • Discuss eye and hearing problems.
• The Operating Room:
  • You will be given medications to put you to sleep.
  • You will be hooked up to several machines:
    • Heart monitor
    • IV
    • Catheter
    • Breathing tube
• Your Family
  • They will be asked to move to a waiting area.
  • They will be kept informed about your progress.

• You will be closely monitored and cared for by members of your health care team.
• Waking up in the ICU:
  • You may feel confused, groggy, cold and thirsty.
  • You may hear sounds or see and feel tubes and wires connected to you.
  • The breathing tube will still be in your windpipe:
    • It doesn't hurt, but it may feel uncomfortable.
    • It will be removed when you can breathe and cough on your own.
• What to expect in the ICU:
  • When your health care team feels you are stable, you will be moved from your bed to a chair.
  • Your family will be allowed to visit on a limited basis.
  • Pain management:
    • Let your nurse know right away when you feel pain.
    • Try to be as specific as possible when describing pain.
    • Discomfort can be relieved with medications.
    • The more comfortable you feel, the faster your recovery can process.
  • Breathing Exercises:
    • Breathing exercises improve your breathing and prevent lung infections.
    • Controlled coughing
    • Spirometry
  • Decreased appetite and nausea should go away within a few days.
  • Stays in the ICU last about 1-2 days, but your health care team will determine when you are ready to be moved.

• You will be transferred to a Step Down or Progressive care unit:
  • You will also continue breathing and coughing exercises.
  • Gradually increase your activity level.
  • You may begin a cardiac rehabilitation program.
• Discharge:
  • There is no set time for discharge.
  • Most patients remain in the hospital four to five days but some may stay a week or longer.
  • The length of your stay will depend on your progress.
  • Before leaving the hospital you will be given a plan for recovering at home.

Heart Surgery is a serious undertaking which is followed by a sometimes challenging recovery process. Knowing what to expect will help prepare you for surgery and help you move more quickly towards a full, active future.