Information for patients

Links

Wellington Hospital
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Clementine Churchill BMI (Harrow)
Lindo Wing, St Mary's Hospital

Patient testimonials

First, I can’t thank you enough for all your time, interest and care on Thursday.

Secondly, the one stop ‘plumb and sparks’ shop is seriously impressive, staffed by great, caring and efficient people who are fun. In about an hour to do an echo, treadmill test and take 49 blood samples etc. must be close to a W.R....

Seriously, from the patients point of view you are offering full diagnostics almost in the ‘golden hour’ whereas with most other approaches it takes more like a month! The expeditious approach apart from removing patients uncertainty which often weighs heavily means if necessary you are in to treatment almost immediately....

Patients will definitely feel that they and their quality of lfe is being put first.

Mr Y. (2010) Suffolk.

CABG

If you have very severe coronary disease, in addition to medication, you may need to have open heart surgery. This is a large, but routine operation. It entails 1 week in hospital and 6-8 weeks to fully recover. This will usually mean that your breast bone is split and then sewn up again. You are usually placed on a heart-lung bypass machine, although the operation can be done on the beating heart.

Although this is a large procedure, it is now done routinely at low risk. You will be thoroughly assessed to see if your risks from the operation outweigh the benefits of having it. These tests include the angiogram, echocardiogram, carotid artery scan, lung function and blood tests.

Cardiac Surgery usually needs the sternum or breast bone to be cut open

Your blockages are bypassed using material form inside your body- the left internal mammary artery, veins form your legs or arms, and sometimes arteries from your arms also. You will therefore have a scar on your chest, and also some on your arms or legs.

Diagram of one arterial bypass (internal mammary) and two veins bypass grafts.

How long does the operation last?

The operation lasts a minimum of four hours.

What happens after coming out from the operating room?

Following surgery, patients are closely monitored. Generally, you will awake shortly after surgery and can expect to sit up in bed the night of surgery – sipping fluids. You can move out of bed to a chair or even take short walks the next day with the physiotherapist.

Will I continue taking my medications after having surgery?

Your medication will be prescribed, adjusted or discontinued depending on your condition. You will be given a week’s supply of medication prior to leaving the hospital. We do advise you to go to your GP on the 4th or 5th day before your one-week supply of medications runs out, for further prescription. Please make sure you get some pain killer. Everyone is different and some may need to take the painkillers a little bit longer than others.

Driving

Do not drive for at least four weeks after the operation. It takes this time for your muscular strength and general agility to return.

Some tips to help you when you start back driving

Try to start with short journeys and avoid heavy traffic.
Take regular breaks on longer journeys.
Put a small cushion or a folded towel between you and the seat belt to help protect your breastbone
It is not necessary to inform the DVLA. You should however notify your insurance company. If there is a problem with your premium, contact the British Heart Foundation for a list of insurance companies who will give you a fair deal.
If you hold a LGV or PCV licence you will need to inform the DVLA. You will also need to have an exercise test before driving.