Before the Cardiac Surgery

Preparing for Heart Surgery

This series of informative and easy-to-understand medical literacy videos is designed for patients who will be undergoing cardiac surgery and the family members who accompany them. The content is presented in plain language and answers the most common questions health care professionals have about cardiac surgery before, during, and after - in the hospital and then upon returning home.

It was developed and approved by a team of multidisciplinary researchers in cardiac surgery, cardiology, medicine and nursing.

Produced with the support of Health Canada, the Consortium national de formation en santé, TÉLUQ University and Health Horizon North

The first video in this series covers what you need to know before heart surgery.

Length: 7 min. 49

Content

• The difference between a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon.
• How to prepare for heart surgery :
  • Do you need to continue taking your medications until the day of surgery?
  • Do I have to stop smoking before my surgery?
  • What determines how long I can wait for surgery?
  • What if my condition or symptoms change?
  • Do I have to fast before surgery?
  • When will I be admitted to the hospital?
  • Do any tests need to be done before surgery?
  • What should I bring with me to the hospital?
  • Why will my chest and legs be shaved before surgery?
  • Do I need to shower or bathe before the surgery?
  • How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
  • Is it normal to be stressed before the operation?

The second video deals with what happens during heart surgery and how to prepare for it - Length: 13 min. 53

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