Patients scheduled to see a cardiac surgeon will first meet with an experienced nurse practitioner.  The nurse practitioner will obtain your health history and perform a physical examination.  She will also answer any questions you or your family may have about your condition and surgery.  The surgeon will then talk with you and your family, examine you and provide recommendations for surgery.  The surgeon will also answer your questions.  If surgery is indicated, a surgery date will be set and you will again meet with the nurse practitioner.  During this meeting, you will receive detailed information including pre-operative teaching and what to expect before, during and after surgery.  Post-operative and home care will also be discussed.  Your entire visit may take up to two hours.

 

For information about specific cardiac disease, please click on the links below.