Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Aortic/Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery Patients

THE DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY:
Step Down Unit or The Cardiovascular Unit, 8th Floor

Once the cardiac surgery team determines that you no longer need to be in the SICU, you will be transferred to the Cardiovascular Unit (CVU), where your heart will continue to be monitored as needed. Most patients are transferred out of the SICU the day after surgery. This is when you will become a more active participant in your recovery. The usual length of stay in the CVU is about 4-5 days.

What to expect

The Nursing and the Rehabilitative Staff will assist you with your exercise. They will assist and encourage you to walk a few times a day, each time increasing your distance.

You will be encouraged to take deep breaths and cough to help eliminate secretions from your lungs.You will be given and instructed on a device called an incentive spirometer,which will help you practice breathing deeply. You will be expected to use the incentive spirometer frequently during the day. We also will provide you with a teddy bear, "Sir Cough A Lot," to press against your sternum. This action helps reduce discomfort and provided support to the surgical site while you cough.

Pain medication will be available to you. It is important to take pain medication for the first couple of days to increase your tolerance to coughing, breathing deeply and to increase your ability to walk with assistance.

During your hospitalization, medications will be prescribed and carefully adjusted for you. Common medications include fluid pills, potassium, blood thinners and medications to control a rapid/irregular heartbeat.Your nurse will review your medications with you, including the correct dosage, frequency and side effects.

You will meet the case manager who will begin discussing a plan for you after you leave the hospital.

Home Care: Generally, most patients can leave the hospital 4-6 days following surgery. It is important to have family members or friends available to assist you in your first week home. The case manager will contact a home care agency to arrange a home nursing assessment the day after your discharge.

Extended Care Facility: If you require physical and occupational therapy or other close medical management, we will refer you to extended care facilities. The case manager will meet with you to discuss available facilities and will make a recommendation based on the clinical care offered at the facility, its location and your insurance coverage.