• The Operation will usually be scheduled at the time that is best for you and your surgeon, except in urgent cases. As the date of your surgery gets closer, be sure to tell your surgeon about any changes in your health. If you have a cold or flu, this can lead to infections that may affect your recovery. Be aware of fever, chills, coughing, or a runny nose. Tell your surgeon if you have any of these symptoms.
• You will not be allowed to drive for a few weeks following surgery, and you will need some assistance as you recover at home. It is a good idea to begin making plans as soon as possible for your care after you go home. Discharge plan options will be discussed with you during your hospitalization.
• Also remind your surgeon about all the medicines you are taking, especially any over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, or those that might contain aspirin, as well as any herbal supplements. You should make a list of the medications, including dosages and frequency, and bring it with you to the hospital.
• Several tests are done before surgery, including chest x-rays, blood tests, electrocardiogram, and an echocardiogram. These will be scheduled by your physician.
• The night before surgery you will be asked to wash with a special soap to reduce the germs on your skin. You will also be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight.

During:

• When you arrive at the hospital, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Glasses, dentures, contact lenses, artificial limbs, hearing aids, jewelry and valuables will need to be removed and given to a friend or family member. An intravenous (IV) line will be started for medications and fluids.
• You will be given medicine to help you relax before you are taken to the operating room.
• Once you are taken to the operating room, you will be attached to special monitoring equipment and placed under anesthesia. While asleep, a breathing tube will be inserted through your mouth into your trachea (windpipe). The tube is connected to a breathing machine, which you will use until you are awake and adequately breathing on your own. Your heart will be monitored throughout surgery.
• You may have a temporary wire of soft, pliable material attached to your heart muscle during surgery. This can be connected to a temporary pacemaker after surgery to regulate your heart rate and will be removed when no longer needed.
• An IV line will be placed within an artery located in your arm or leg to monitor your blood pressure and draw blood for the frequent blood studies required after surgery. Temporary plastic tubes will be placed in your chest cavity during surgery to permit drainage of fluids, blood and air.
• Surgical times vary per case, but generally last between 2 to 5 hours. At the conclusion of the surgery, you will be transferred to the intensive care unit for close monitoring and stabilization.
• Once your surgeon determines you are ready to leave the intensive care unit, you will be transferred to the stepdown unit, where you will continue to be monitored closely, and the process of transition to home will begin. This will include sitting up in the chair and walking in the halls. Your surgeon and nurse will discuss your daily, individualized plan for recovery and discharge.

After Discharge to home:

• Avoid any heavy lifting or straining
• Gradually resume your normal activity
• No driving for several weeks
• Keep incisions clean and dry. The nurse will discuss your wound care prior to discharge. Often you are able to take a shower at home.
• Your nurse will give you detailed, individualized discharge instructions before you go home. Included will be important reasons to call the surgeon, contact numbers, and follow-up appointment information.
• Be prepared that you will likely go home on different medications than you originally came to the hospital on. It is very important that you take the new medications exactly as directed. Do not make changes without your physician’s advice.
• You physician will discuss cardiac rehabilitation with you.
• A nurse and surgeon are always available should you have questions after discharge to home.