Your surgeon will review information about the need for your surgery. Please be prepared to give your medical history.
Heart-Smart Tip: You may wish to write down your important health information or have someone who is familiar with your medical history accompany you.
Teaching
You will be given information about your anticipated hospital length of stay, insurance company notification, and health care decisions.
Preoperative preparation will be reviewed by the Health Care Team and other health care team members. Educational materials will be provided. The video program can be viewed on hospital Channel 3.
Labwork
Pre-Admission Testing will be scheduled by our office staff.
Copies of any tests will be forwarded to the hospital to be included in your medical record.
Medications
You will be instructed to stop taking any aspirin and ant-inflamatory medications 7 to 10 days prior to surgery, unless you have discussed this with your doctor.
Activity
You will be permitted to walk freely, if your condition permits.
Be sure to ask for help if you need it.
AT PRE-ADMISSION TESTING OR IN THE HOSPITAL
ASSESSMENT AND/OR MONITORING
The pre-admission testing date is generally within a week before your operation. The anesthesiologist will review your medical history with you before your operation begins.
TEACHING
You will meet members of the health care team who will review instructions about your postoperative care. Our Social Services Department is available to respond to your emotional needs.
Your family should wait in the main lobby and check with our volunteer the day of surgery. A Nurse Specialist from the surgery team will keep them informed during the procedure.
LABWORK
A medical history will be reviewed including a physical exam prior to surgery. It is important for us to know ALL the medications you take at home and any ALLERGIES.
Blood and urine tests, EKG, Chest X-ray and other tests as indicated will be completed.
MEDICATIONS
PREPARING FOR THE DAY OF YOUR OPERATION
You may take your cardiac prescription medications as instructed by the surgeon or anesthesiologist.
DIET AND NUTRITION
Please inform us if you have any special dietary needs.
DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery except for cardiac medications with a sip of water.
An IV (intravenous line) will be placed in your arm before surgery. Antibiotics and sedation will be given prior to surgery.
TREATMENTS
A body shave will be done by the Prep Team prior to Surgery. Shower with antibacterial soap twice.
Preparation For Going Home
Please make any necessary arrangements to be picked up from the hospital. Be ready to leave at approximately 10:00AM. If transportation is needed, our healthcare team can assist you. If necessary, time of discharge can be modified.
The CareMap is a suggested model for support services by hospital personnel as ordered by the attending physician. The plan of care or treatment remains the responsibility of the attending physician, and the
establishment of this plan and any modicfications must be documented in the patient's hospital record. CareMap is not a substitute for Physician orders.
Heart-Smart Tip: You may wish to write down your important health information or have someone who is familiar with your medical history accompany you.
