Before Heart surgery surgery, there can often be overwhelming thoughts and questions, from ‘how much time will it take’ to ‘how risky of a procedure is it’. Dr. Maria Tehrani, a cardiothoracic surgeon, has gone to great lengths in order to make her patients well informed and well supported, she is one of the most reputed doctor in the Westwood, CA. this guide is meant to make the most important, often recurring questions from patients about the surgery so that patients can have the most appropriate knowledge and thoughts for the surgery.

What Heart Conditions Require Surgery?

Recommended surgery is most often associated with certain conditions like, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease like aortic/mitral stenosis, arrhythmias, aortic aneurysms, congenital heart defects, or even severe heart failure. Each diagnosis has its plans with a different surgical procedures, which Dr. Tehrani plans to suit each patients’ distinct needs.

Other types of heart surgery
More traditional and modern surgery types have different techniques and approaches, some of these include:

– Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Bypasses blocked arteries restoring blood flow to the heart and does so using arteries or veins from other parts of the body.

– Valve Repair or Replacement: Enhances heart functions by restoring or replacing the valves of the heart.

– Arrhythmia Surgery: Placing of devices and linear ablation

– Minimally Invasive Techniques: Small incisions for quicker recovery while using advanced techniques.

– Robotic Surgery: Use of precision technology on certain cardiac procedures. Your cardiac surgeon will provide details on what each procedure entails and which is appropriate for you.

How Should I Prepare Before Surgery?

Documentation and reviews will ensure a smooth surgical excursion:

– Fill out and attend pre-operative appointments, to be examined, and attend appropriate tests like phlebotomy, electro-cardiology, EKGs, CXR, and in some cases, a dentist.

– Review the scope of medications you will be taking with the surgical team, certain prescriptions will be discontinued, modified, or created pre-operatively.

– For the surgical procedure, refrain from any intake post midnight, and if told to do otherwise, only do so if so advised.

– For the medications that you are supposed to take like for instance blood pressure and those for diabetes, you are to take them so that you follow the instructions diligently.

– You are to set up the environment of the house in a manner that you are able to rest comfortably and recover after the procedures. Set up support systems that will help, and rest so that you attend to daily tasks, as well as accessibility needs.

– All allergies, details of past surgeries, as well as the family history involving having negative reactions of some sort in collaboration with the rest of the medical team.

– Don’t forget to bring your picture, insurance documents, and a list of medications that you are currently taking on the surgical date.

The Process Before and During Surgery

On the day of the surgery, make sure to arrive at the hospital on time. After checking in, you will be required to put on a hospital gown, complete final health checks, and go through the rest of the routine. The nurses will go through your medical history, take your vitals, put in an IV, and introduce you to the anesthesia team, as well as your assigned doctors. Dr. Tehrani will address any pending inquiries and go over the surgical details once more. After that, you will be taken to the operating room where the staff will hook you to special monitors that will keep track of your heart, respiration, and blood pressure during the surgery.

What are the possible consequences of the surgery?

All surgical procedures come with a certain level of danger, and in as much as your cardiac team is trained to deal with any possible complication, some of the things that may go wrong are:

– Excessive bleeding

– Development of an infection

– Formation of blood clots

– Stroke or heart attack

– Irregular heartbeat

– Lung or kidney complications

– Allergic to the anesthesia or any of the drugs

Dr. Tehrani has to speak about all the possible complications in detail to you so that you comprehend the preventative measures and steps needed in the case of possible scenarios.

What is Hospital Recovery Like?

After surgery, most people begin by spending some time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), usually for the first 24 to 48 hours, so they can be monitored. During the first 24 to 48 hours, people are monitored, provided intravenous fluids, pain relief, heart rhythm checks, breathing support, and chest and wound care. Once stabilized, people are transferred to the cardiac step-down or shift level unit of the hospital, where both Physical Therapists and nurses assist in the beginning of light movements and breathing exercises. During this time, people can expect to be monitored frequently, along with changes in medications and visits from the care team.

How Long Is the Total Recovery Period?

The first stage of recovery from surgery is the most difficult and usually lasts about 4 days to a week but this depends on the type of surgery and the person’s medical condition. Recovery from the surgery is a slow and steady process, but most people can regain strength and resume their normal daily activities within 12 weeks. Recovery times are different and people’s progress is tracked with regular visits to the doctor, blood tests, and follow up imaging.

When Can Normal Activities Resume?

It is essential to remember that even after people are discharged from the hospital, the recovery process must be followed. During the early stages of recovery, light walking, light house chores, and gentle stretches are recommended. Strenuous activities, driving, and lifting are often postponed for 4 to 6 weeks. Often, people can increase their recovery times by undergoing slowly supervised exercises during Cardiac rehabilitation.

Signs to Look For After The Operation

– Look for more redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the surgical incision site.

– Report any comprised mental status, inflammation/frostbite indicators, or far-away chest discomfort/palpitation during feelings of exhaustion to your team.

– Pay attention to any swelling of the legs, rapid gains in weight, or a cough lasting more than a week—these all need attention.

Cardiac Rehab: Step Towards Recovery

Most patients start with the rehab program that focuses on:

– Individualized monitored exercise

– Dietary consultations

– Relaxation therapy

– Strategies for taking medication and long-term lifestyle changes

Dr. Tehrani’s team will provide support to all patients. They will help set goals and assess progress at every stage of the recovery.

What is my Family’s Role in this Process?

Family, friends, and other loved ones are important people in your life during heart surgery. Ask them to help during doctor visits and teach them about your rehabilitation. Their support will help with transportation and reminders during rehab.

Interaction with the Team

It is very important to keep lines open between yourself and Dr. Tehrani and the Westwood cardiac team. If you have any questions about changes being made, possible mental strain being felt, or about the medication being taken, don’t be afraid to speak. Journaling has been shown to help make the next session more useful, if the questions and observations are noted.

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“A team effort” for ‘heart’ surgery is defined by the collaboration between the patient, the surgeon, and the entire team of doctors and nurses who will be caring for the patient. While he was speaking with his patient Dr. Maria Tehrani said the informed patients and well prepared patients go for the surgery with greater success and more relaxed. For the residents of Westwood, surgery is something that can be faced with courage and with the hope of a healthier and brighter future with the help of education, understanding, and embracing the rehabilitation of the heart.