Coronary artery bypass surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a blockage and helps prevent a heart attack.
On the day of your bypass or valve surgery, a patient educator or a nurse may talk with you and your loved ones. You may be told what to expect.
How long you stay in the hospital after open-heart surgery depends on what type of surgery you had and your needs. It may be as short as 3 to 4 days. If you have complications, you may stay in the hospital several weeks or longer.
After surgery, you'll be moved to a recovery area where you can be closely watched. From there, you may go to a special care unit or a regular room. The hospital stay after minimally invasive heart surgery varies, but is often 5 to 7 days.
Learn how to safely care and monitor your surgical incisions.
Watch this video to recognize the warning signs and symptoms after heart surgery that require a call to your doctor or emergency services.
Learn how you and your loved ones can cope with the emotions commonly experienced after heart surgery.
In this video, Kirk undergoes bypass surgery after learning he has widespread blockages in his coronary arteries.
Watch this video to learn about what to expect during a coronary artery bypass graft procedure.
Watch this video to learn about what happens during Heart Valve Repair or Replacement.
