Table of Contents
Understanding Your Heart Surgery ................................................................ 5
Heart Surgery ................................................................................................................. 6
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting ................................................................................ 7
Valve Surgery ................................................................................................................. 9
Maze Procedure ........................................................................................................... 10
Preparing for Surgery ......................................................................................... 11
Planning Ahead ........................................................................................................... 12
Advance Directives ...................................................................................................... 12
Tests and Exams .......................................................................................................... 12
Surgical Consent .......................................................................................................... 13
Getting Your Lungs Ready for Surgery ...................................................................... 13
Quitting Smoking ........................................................................................................ 13
Eating Healthfully ........................................................................................................ 14
Packing for Your Hospital Stay .................................................................................. 14
The Night before Surgery............................................................................................ 15
The Morning of Surgery .............................................................................................. 15
Preparing Your Skin to Help Prevent Infection ......................................................... 16
Your Surgery and Hospital Care ..................................................................... 19
Surgery Day ................................................................................................................. 20
After Surgery ................................................................................................................ 21
Managing Your Pain .................................................................................................... 21
Tubes and Equipment ................................................................................................. 23
Using an Incentive Spirometer ................................................................................... 26
Recovery in Intensive Care ......................................................................................... 28
Recovery in Progressive Care ..................................................................................... 28
Discharge Planning ..................................................................................................... 29
Activity Guidelines ...................................................................................................... 29
Chest Care Rules .......................................................................................................... 31
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