We want your heart to be healthy so you can enjoy a fun, active life, and
sometimes heart surgery may be needed to make sure your heart is functioning
like it was created to, or better.
The majority of heart surgeries are done to repair coronary artery disease,
a blockage of the blood vessels that deliver blood to the heart muscle.
Shannon's thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons also perform heart surgery
to replace or repair the valves of the heart.
What to Expect from Your Heart Surgery Pre and Post Procedure
Most often, heart surgery requires opening the chest through the sternum
or breastbone. The bone is closed at the end of the operation and the
healing process is just like if your leg or arm was broken, apart from
needing a cast.
Patients require five to seven days in the hospital after surgery, depending
on the severity of their condition prior to the operation. After their
hospital stay, patients will be able to perform all their activities to
get through the day—showering, using the bathroom, walking, and
brushing teeth—with little assistance.
Patients excel in their recovery when they comply with the discharge instructions
provided to them prior to leaving the hospital.
This requires:
Taking prescribed medications
Daily walking and breathing exercises
Controlling diabetes/diet
Completing a well-prescribed cardiac rehabilitation program
Total recovery time varies among patients due to individualized pre-existing
limitations. Most people are back to full strength or better by four to
six months after surgery.
Patient safety is our top priority and having two cardiovascular surgeons
available 24/7 means patients at Shannon receive care in optimal time
if surgery is needed.
About Our Cardiovascular Specialist Team
Our experienced team of cardiac specialists have performed more operations
and provided more cardiac care than anyone else in the region. More importantly,
we have a full spectrum of cardiac services available—from medication
management to cardiac catheterizations to open heart surgery—so
patients may receive convenient treatment at Shannon. We want you to receive
exceptional care in your hometown, with your family and loved ones close
by, instead of traveling outside the area for high-level cardiac care.
As you know, when it comes to cardiac care, every minute matters. Call us at
325.747.2281 information pertaining to your unique situation.
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