Heart Surgery Expectations

What Do I Need to Know Before My Surgery?

It is important to know the following.

• Date
• Arrival Time
• Surgery Time
• Physician
• Directions to UT Medical Center

You also need to do the following prior to surgery:

• Prepare a toiletry kit. Don’t forget to include such items as dentures, glasses, and hearing aids. Have your primary support person bring it to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) after surgery.
• Bring your insurance card.
• Bring actual medications you are currently taking.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your surgery.
• Please refer to campus map to locate parking.
• You will be presented a consent form giving your physician permission to perform the surgery.
• The nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, weight, and show you the breathing exercises you will do after surgery. Blood work may also be drawn.
• A surgery technician may shave your chest and/or leg prior to surgery.
• You will be taken to surgery on a stretcher about 2 hours prior to your scheduled time. Please let family members know to be here 2 1/2 hours prior to surgery.
• You may receive medication in holding room to help you relax prior to going to surgery.
• The Surgery Waiting Room is located on the 2nd floor. Your Physician and Operating Room Team will come here to give updates to family during & after the surgery. The surgery will last 2 to 6 hours.

Expectations for Leaving the Hospital

When: You will be expected to go home three-four days after the day of surgery. (Ex: Surgery on Monday = Discharge on Thursday or Friday)

Family: You will need to have an emotional and  physical support network of caregivers in place for when you leave the hospital.

Activity Level: You will be able to resume most daily living activities with minimal assistance by discharge.

Medications: Nursing and Pharmacy will review your medications before you are discharged.

Cardiac Rehab: Phase I Cardiac Rehab will begin in the hospital the day after surgery. Phase I Exercise Specialists will assist you with ambulation and mild exercise throughout your hospital stay. You will begin Phase II Cardiac Rehab 2-3 weeks after discharge where you will progress your activity level.