Heart Surgery

In most heart operations, the surgeon makes an incision in the center of the chest. Alternatively, a less-invasive incision can be made on the side of the chest when appropriate. During the procedure, a cardiopulmonary bypass machine is usually needed to take over the functions of the heart and lungs. Once the procedure is completed and the surgical team is satisfied that the heart is beating strongly, the cardiopulmonary bypass machine is disconnected and the chest incisions are sutured closed. After heart surgery, all patients are moved to a surgical intensive-care unit (ICU) to begin the recovery process.

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Complete recovery from heart surgery, to the point where you can return to full activity levels, usually takes about six to eight weeks. Patients usually regain a daily routine in about two to three weeks. The first five to seven days of recovery are spent in the hospital, starting in the ICU.

In the ICU, the patient's condition is constantly monitored using surgically inserted tubes and drains that record fluid uptake and loss and assist with breathing. Sleeping in the ICU can be difficult for patients, and visitors may find the environment distracting. It's not uncommon for patients to appear pale or swollen and even become temporarily confused during this stage of recovery. Once the patient's condition has improved, most of the tubes and drains will be removed and the patient will be moved out of the ICU to complete their hospital stay in a bed equipped for continuous cardiac monitoring.

Before the patient leaves the hospital, members of the healthcare team will discuss the at-home recovery plan with the patient. The staff should provide written instructions for diet, pain management, incision care, physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments. Restrictions on activities such as driving, heavy lifting, and showering will also be covered. Pain management is an important aspect of recovery, allowing patients to perform simple functions such as coughing, breathing deeply, and walking that are important steps to recovery. Toughing it out can actually delay recovery.

Emotional responses to heart surgery vary widely due to the stress of operation and medication. These events may trigger feelings of denial, distress, fear, anger, and even depression. Most of the time these feelings are temporary; however, if they persist, discuss them with a member of the healthcare team.