This series of videos has been created using real-life appointments and surgeries to guide patients and their loved ones through all stages of heart surgery.
From keeping well while waiting through to the day of surgery and your recovery afterwards, it contains key advice on:
- how to be as fit as possible before surgery
- risks and benefits
- appointments you need to attend
- exercise
- diet and nutrition
- medication
- wound care
- and much more!
View the full playlist on YouTube, or watch the videos below.
Video One: Getting Ready for Your Operation (Pre-optimisation)
This video covers all the key information for patients before undergoing open heart surgery, helping you to be as fit as possible for your operation.
Video Two: Exercising Before Your Operation (Prehab)
Helping you to stay fit and active, safely, while you wait for your heart operation.
Video Three: Surgical Pre-admission Clinic and Urgent Admissions
A video guiding you through what happens at the hospital clinic appointment ahead of your heart operation.
Video Four: The Day of Your Operation
Helping you to understand what happens on the day of your heart operation.
Video Five: Anaesthesia During Your Operation
Explaining what happens during anaesthesia for open heart surgery.
Video Six: Recovering in Intensive Care
What to expect during the first couple of days in the intensive care unit as you recover from major heart surgery.
Video Seven: Physiotherapy While in Hospital
Physiotherapy while in hospital after your heart surgery is crucial to a safe and quick recovery, helping you to get home sooner.
Video Eight: Being Discharged from Hospital
Guidance on what you can do to contribute to a safe and smooth discharge, getting you back home sooner.
Video Nine: Recovering at Home
This video gives heart surgery patients key advice and guidance to help you continue your recovery safely at home.
Patient information leaflets
Cardiac surgery - a patient's guide and consent form
Aortic surgery with consent form
Preventing infective endocarditis - a patient's guide
Support for anxiety and feeling overwhelmed before surgery