Once it has been decided that you need open-heart surgery, you will either remain in the hospital or will be sent home for the surgery to be scheduled at a later time. The decision to stay in the hospital or go home is based on the severity of the problem with your heart. Whether you are sent home or remain in the hospital, you will undergo a series of lab tests and procedures in preparation for the surgery.
If you are released to go home, you will be asked to return to the hospital one or two days prior to your surgery to undergo the following lab tests and procedures:
If you have a loved one who has a similar blood type and would like to donate blood for you, they will need to donate five days prior to your surgery. Call the St. Joseph Hospital Blood Bank at 714-744-8721 to schedule an appointment to donate blood prior to the surgery.
In addition, you may also be asked to:
- Stop smoking
- Stop taking aspirin or other medications unless otherwise instructed by your cardiologist
- If you are a diabetic and currently taking Metformin/Glucophage you may be advised to stop taking the medication prior to surgery. If you have any questions call your physician.
- Stop eating or drinking by midnight the night before surgery. If your drink more than 12 oz. of beer, 6 oz. wine, or 4 oz. of alcohol per day, inform your physician prior to the surgery.
If you are not released to go home and your surgery is scheduled immediately, the pre-surgery lab tests and procedures will be performed at the hospital.
Cardiac Liaison Nurse
My name is Megan, and I’m the Cardiac Liaison, Nurse Practitioner at St. Joseph Hospital. I would like to extend a warm, “heart”-felt welcome from our Cardiovascular Surgery Services. If you are already scheduled or are contemplating our services for your heart needs, it is our wish to provide you with all your educational needs as well as to allow your surgery and hospitalization experience to be as smooth as possible. My role as the cardiac liaison is to provide pre- and post-operative education and to coordinate your care from the day of admission to the day of discharge. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Megan Liego, RN, MSN, ACNP
(714) 771-8000 ext. 24065
megan.liego@stjoe.org