Cardiothoracic Surgery
Washington Hospital has been a leader in surgical intervention and treatment
of adult heart disease for the last 20 years. The cardiac surgery program
focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to providing care for our patients.
The cardiac surgery program at Washington Hospital recognizes the importance
of meeting the needs of our patients. We have assembled a team of expert
healthcare providers that support and care for our patients and families.
The patient who has cardiac surgery at Washington Hospital will meet with
the cardiac surgeon, the anesthesiologist, our pre-operative staff, and
one of our cardiac rehabilitation nurses. Prior to surgery the patient
and his/her family will be interviewed and examined in order to plan for
their specific needs prior to, during and after surgery.
"The surgery saved my life," Lingle says. "I really encourage
people to take control of their own health. If something doesn't seem
right, get to the doctor."
Healing Hearts
Michael Lingle (left) is back to enjoying his several hobbies after his
minimally invasive heart surgery at Washington Hospital.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
If one or more of your coronary arteries (the vessels that carry blood
to your heart muscle) are blocked, blood can’t flow to the heart
muscle. In this case, the heart muscle may die (heart attack). Coronary
artery bypass graft surgery creates a path for blood to flow around a
blockage through a blood vessel graft that restores blood flow to the heart.
Valve Surgery
At Washington Hospital we offer an array of valve surgery options to our
patients. These options range from traditional sternotomy to minimally
invasive valve surgery.
Patient Recovery - Washington Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
Immediately after surgery patients are cared for in the coronary care unit
(CCU) by our critical care nursing staff. Our experienced nursing staff
provides care using a combination of technological expertise and genuine
concern for the patient in order to meet the physical and emotional well-being
and comfort of our patients and families. The patient is transferred from
the coronary intensive care unit after they meet specific clinical criteria.
Patients remain on cardiac monitoring and begin to take meals and walk
in the room and hallways. Physical therapists and occupational therapists
begin working with our patients as soon as the patient is able.
The goal of physical and occupational therapy is to assist the patient
in their recovery from surgery and return to their previous level of activity.
Dietitians review how to modify the patient's diet to provide a "heart
healthy" approach to eating. When needed, our pharmacist provides
medication counseling prior to discharge. A member of our case management
team meets with the patient and family to develop a plan that will provide
a safe and comfortable transition back to home prior to discharge. The
discharge plan may include visits from home health assistants, registered
nurses, and perhaps physical or occupational therapists.