Post Op
Post-operative Care
Understanding what to expect after your operation can help a great deal to facilitate your recovery.
Intensive Care
After most open heart procedures you will normally recover in intensive care (Torrington CICU) for the first 24 hrs after your operation. Patients are usually kept sedated for a few hours after the operation and the woken when the intensive care team are confident that you are stable and progressing well - this is usually with 2-4 hours after your procedure.
You may be transferred to a step down unit adjacent to the CICU where you will be awake but still closely monitored (Torrington HDU).
Once the intensive care team are satisfied that you do not need intensive monitoring or therapy, you will be transferred to the ward (Clearbrook Ward) for further care until you are fit for discharge which is usually 5-6 days after your surgery.
Follow up
Your consultant will arrange an outpatient clinic appointment for you approximately 6-8 weeks after your operation. You may have the following repeat investigations:
- A Chest X-Ray
- A Repeat Echocardiogram
- An ECG
This will be to assess your progress, ensure that all your wounds are healing well and that you are taking the correct medication.
Usually, if there are no concerns, you will be either referred back to your Cardiologist or General Practitioner for follow up