What to Expect
Rest assured you’ll receive high-quality, patient-centric care when the skilled team at VHC Health performs your cardiac, vascular or thoracic procedure.
Before Procedure
Our staff will make scheduling your procedure and any preoperative appointments easy. Before your surgery, you’ll meet one-on-one with your cardiac surgeon, so you have a chance to get answers to your questions and learn what to expect.
Expect a phone call from our prescreening nurse who offers support to ease any anxiety. During the conversation, you’ll:
- Answer questions about your health history and medications
- Get instructions on how to prepare for the operation
- Receive information about what to expect the day of surgery
Day Before Procedure
The day before your surgery, you’ll register for the procedure and have certain tests. Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray, which creates pictures of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, airways and bones in the chest
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the heartbeat’s electrical activity
- Lab tests
You’ll also meet with a member of our anesthesia team and a physician assistant (PA) to review how to prepare for the operation.
Day of Procedure
When you arrive at VHC Health, a nurse will take you to your private preoperative room, where you’ll change into a gown and talk about your medical history. Then, a family member, friend or loved one can join you. Learn more about what to expect when you get surgery at VHC Health.
Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVROR)
Your procedure may take place in one of our specialty operating rooms for cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgeries. Expect superior care in an environment set up for the unique needs of patients like you.
After Procedure
Your surgeon will give your loved ones updates about your surgery while they stay in our waiting area. Depending on your surgery, you’ll either be brought to a private patient room in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) or a rapid recovery room before transferring to the cardiovascular stepdown unit for postoperative care.
Follow-Up Care
Rely on VHC Health for the attentive care and follow-up services you need to heal. After you leave the facility, a nurse will reach out to you by phone to make sure you understand how to take care of yourself, address any questions and schedule follow-up appointments. Plan to return to your care team’s office for an evaluation two weeks after surgery.
Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab
You may benefit from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, a medically supervised exercise program designed for people with a condition that affects the heart or lungs.
