Arterial Line (A Line)
The arterial line is a small catheter placed into an artery to read your blood
pressure and allow for easy access to blood needed for lab work. The artery most
often used is the one in your wrist.
Central Venous Catheter
You will have a catheter placed in one of your large veins. It is most often placed
in the jugular vein in the neck, but may also be in the subclavian vein just under
your collarbone or in the femoral vein in the groin. This large catheter allows
fluids and medications to be given and allows monitoring of one type of heart
pressure.
You may also have a special line called a PA (pulmonary artery) line placed
through the central venous catheter. This catheter allows the nurse to monitor
other heart pressures. It will be removed before you leave the Intensive Care Unit.
Foley Catheter
The Foley catheter is placed in your bladder to drain urine. This allows the nurse
to closely monitor your fluid status and how well your kidneys are working. The
catheter is usually removed 1 to 2 days after surgery.
Blood Sugar
It is quite common for patients who do not have diabetes to have increased blood
sugar levels after heart surgery. Increased blood sugars are also common for
patients with diabetes. Your glucose level will be checked often, and insulin may
be given for a few days to help manage it.
Splint
Using something to “splint” your chest incision when you move or cough is very
important during your entire hospital stay and when you go home. Splinting is
done by holding a pillow, folded towel, or thin blanket against your chest incision
as though you are giving yourself a hug. It