Some of the most common surgical procedures include angioplasty, bypass surgery, and valve replacement.

While it depends on the nature and specifics of your procedure, most cardiac surgeries last from 3-6 hours.

During surgery, after you are asleep, the following tubes and drains will be inserted:

A breathing tube will be placed in the patient’s airway, which is connected to a breathing machine to assist the patient’s breathing.
A central venous access catheter will be placed through a large vein to administer fluids and/or medications.
A chest tube will be placed between the lung and the chest wall to drain air or fluid from the chest cavity.
An arterial catheter will be placed in an artery to measure blood pressure.
A nasogastric or orogastric tube will be placed through the nose or mouth into the stomach.
A Foley’s catheter  will be inserted into the bladder to drain urine.

After the breathing tube is removed, you will begin with moistening your mouth with swabs and gradually progress to consuming ice chips, water, and sugar-free liquids for the first 24 hours. Due to the effects of anaesthesia and pain medication received during surgery, your risk of aspiration will be closely monitored by your nurse, who will adjust your diet accordingly as you are able to tolerate it, starting with clear liquids and then progressing to solid food. You can discuss dietary measures in greater detail with a specialist at SRV Hospitals.

It is recommended that you do not operate a vehicle for four to six weeks following your surgery. Additionally, it is advised that you do not drive if you are experiencing pain related to your chest incision or if you are currently taking medications that could affect your ability to make sound decisions. It is best to speak with your surgical team at SRV Hospitals to determine when it will be safe for you to resume driving.

The objective is to gradually increase your physical activity by taking walks three to four times a day following your surgery. On the day of the surgery, the nursing staff or a physical therapist may assist you with basic movements such as bed exercises and sitting at the edge of the bed if it is safe to do so. The following day, you will be assisted in sitting up in a chair and taking a short walk if it is appropriate. Your activity level will continue to increase each day and you will be given a checklist to monitor your progress. You will be taught about proper precautions for your chest during physical activity, such as using a pillow to support your chest when coughing, and how to safely perform everyday movements by physical therapists and nursing staff. They will also assess if you need any equipment such as a walker to ensure your safety. They will inform you when you are able to walk independently. Until then, always ask for help getting out of bed. The cardiac rehab nurse will also discuss a walking program to aid in your recovery and transition back home.