After your Surgery

Hospital Course

Initially after surgery, you will stay in the CTICU for around 1-2 days when your vital signs are closely monitored
Your breathing tube will be removed approximately 4-6 hours after surgery. Your breathing tube may stay in longer when your vital signs are unstable
You should expect to wake up with many wires and tubes connected to your body
Your care team will start to remove your wires and tubes on postoperative day one.
Your care team will help you to move as soon as possible after your surgery to help with your pain and recovery

You can start eating once you are awake and passed the bedside swallow evaluation with your nurse
Your care team will encourage you to take deep breaths using an incentive spirometer to help you breath better and prevent lung infection

When you are stable and no longer require intensive care, you will be transferred from the ICU to the floor to continue your recovery
While on the floor, you will actively participate in physical activities sessions to help you recover faster
You will also interact with various team members (pharmacist, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, advanced practice providers, bedside nurses) for teaching sessions to facilitate your discharge process
Patients are discharged from the hospital an average of five to seven days after their cardiac surgery. Expect to have shorter or longer hospital stays depending on your condition.
- Refer to “Heart Surgery Care Map” document for more information