What to expect after Open Heart Surgery

Olivia as an infant, less than 12 hours after surgery. Mouse over image for information.

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Incision. Approximately six inches. There are wires holding the breastbone together, then dissolving stitches in the layers under the skin. The outer lay of skin is closed with a glue instead of stiches. The glue helps keep bacteria from getting into the incision while it is healing. It should not be peeled off, but allowed to come off on its own. Ventilator. Used to help her breathe and deliver extra oxygen if necessary. Chest tube. This is placed at the end of the surgery in the chest cavity to drain any extra fluid within the cavity. It is normal for this fluid to have some blood in it--only a small amount of blood can make it appear quite red. Pacemaker. This is just in case there are any rhythm problems. Pacemaker wires. They are blue/black or blue/gray depending on manufacturer. Some patients have only one wire, others may have two. It is a tiny thin wire that goes from her heart, splits in two at the end and connects to the bigger wire that attaches to the pacemaker box itself. They are there just in case there are any problems with her heartbeat. Left hand. Arterial IV Line, and Oxymeter, which monitors the amount of oxygen in the blood in her extremities. Right foot. A peripheral IV line. Top of scalp. Peripheral IV line. To get an idea of her tiny size, this is 4"x4" gauze. This is an IV line that goes directly into her heart. It can be either on her left side, or right side. This allows them to measure the heart's pressure and gives the ability to administer medications faster if necessary. Usually the baby cannot be held until this is removed. Oxygen probe, called Somanetics. There is a matching one on her back used to compare the numbers. It measures oxygen perfusion. It is used as an early indicator of heart function. Bladder catheter. This captures and measures urine output. NG Tube. This is a small tube fed through her nose and down into her stomach. This initially is used to empty the stomach for the anesthesia. The anesthesia slows her digestion down, and if food is in her stomach it can make her sick. After a few days, it can be used to feed her. Monitor Leads. There are three of them – white, red, and black or green – that go to the cardiac monitor, used to monitor her heart rate. Swelling is typical. Extra fluid and medicines given through IVs can cause some swelling. Swelling often occurs in the face and eyelids but will eventually disappear as the kidneys get rid of the extra fluid. Gel Pad used to hold her arm still so she doesn't move too much and pull her IV out. Sometimes gauze restraints may be used on the wrists to keep the arms still.