Prior to Procedure

Depending on the reason for your surgery, your doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam
• Blood and urine tests
• ECG
• Coronary angiogram
• Chest x-ray
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Leading up to the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.
• Take antibiotics if instructed.
• Follow a special diet if instructed.
• Shower the night before using antibacterial soap if instructed.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital. Also, have someone to help you at home.
• Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

There are 2 options for anesthesia:

• General anesthesia —blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery
• Local anesthesia with sedation—just the area that is being operated on is numbed, given as an injection

Description of the Procedure

Several keyhole openings will be cut in the spaces between the ribs. Next, a small camera will be passed through 1 of the incisions. This small camera is called an endoscope. It will light, magnify, and project an image of the organs onto a monitor. The endoscope will be attached to 1 of the robotic arms. The other arms will hold instruments for grasping, cutting, dissecting, and stitching. These may include:

• Forceps
• Scissors
• Dissectors
• Scalpels

While sitting at a console near the operating table, the doctor will use lenses to look at a magnified 3D image of the inside of the chest. Another doctor will stay by the operating table and adjust the camera and instruments. The robotic arms and tools will be guided by movements of the surgeon. After the instruments are removed, incisions will be closed with sutures or staples.

Immediately After Procedure

After the procedure, you will be:

• Moved to the intensive care unit (ICU)
• Closely monitored
• Encouraged to sit up and move around soon after surgery

How Long Will It Take?

Usually 1-4 hours, depending on the procedure

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay depends on the procedure you had done. Your doctor may need to keep you longer if you have any problems.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Limit certain activities such as driving and strenuous activity.
• Enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
• Follow your doctor's instructions on caring for the wound to prevent infection.