Open heart surgery

Prior to open heart surgery, your doctor may request tests including:

• Cardiac catheterization: Checks for blockages in the blood vessels of the heart
• Carotid ultrasound: Checks the arteries in your neck for blockages, which could potentially interfere with blood flow to the brain and increase your stroke risk
• Chest X-rays
• Dental examination
• Echocardiogram: Checks your heart muscle strength and the function of your heart valves
• Electrocardiograph testing (EKG): Checks your heart rate and rhythm
• Lab testing: Checks your kidney function, liver function, blood count, urine, thyroid function and blood type in case a transfusion is needed during your surgery

On the day before your open heart surgery, we’ll ask you to wash your chest and legs using a special soap to help prevent infection by killing bacteria.

You'll also see your primary care doctor or cardiologist for personalized guidelines to prepare for heart surgery including:

• Refraining from eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure
• How to get ready for your procedure including any medications you may need to stop taking Answers to your questions and concerns

You’ll arrive at the hospital two hours prior to your open heart surgery. Before surgery, you’ll receive a general anesthetic that will put you to sleep so you won’t feel any pain. You’ll also receive a breathing tube and a bladder catheter.

Open heart surgery typically takes three to five hours. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision down the middle of your breastbone, about 7 to 8 inches long. You’ll be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which allows your surgeon to stop your heart from beating and move the blood away from your heart.

During open heart surgery, you’ll receive a drainage tube in your chest cavity to drain blood and fluid. You’ll also get temporary pacemaker wires in case your heart rate becomes too slow or requires assistance with rhythm.

Once your heart surgery is complete, your surgeon will put your breastbone back together with metal wires and close the skin with sutures and, in some cases, staples.

Following your open heart surgery, you’ll spend the first few days in an intensive care unit. You'll be transferred to a regular room once your heart rhythm and blood pressure stabilizes and you no longer need intravenous medications. Most likely you’ll stay in the hospital for four to six days after surgery.

We’ll remove the chest drainage tubes and temporary pacing wires in the days after surgery once it's deemed safe. During your stay, you’ll work with cardiac rehabilitation, and possibly physical and occupational therapists to increase your strength and mobility.

Typically, you’ll be able to go home once you:

• Have a stable blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm
• Can walk safely
• Have adequate pain control
• No longer need oxygen

Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress after surgery. As part of your recovery, we recommend attending cardiac rehabilitation to regain your strength. This medically supervised program offers extra support, education and coaching to get you on the right track.