The physiotherapist visits Michał and begins encouraging his activity almost immediately post-operatively.
Day 1 am:
- Physio ‘I want you to do your breathing exercises every hour, and remember to bend your knees and support your wound to cough.’
- Deep breathing exercises can reduce the risk of post-operative respiratory complications including atelectasis and infection.
Day 1 pm:
- Michał “I thought it was going to really hurt when the physios got me up but the nurses gave me something for pain beforehand so it wasn’t that bad. Have to do my breathing exercises – I have to take 3 sets of 5 deep breaths every hour.”
- A sitting posture promotes deep breathing and early mobilisation reduces the risk of respiratory complications and reduces the risk of development of a blood clot. Adequate analgesia is essential to ensure chest clearance and early mobilisation.
Day 2:
- Michał walks unaided and supervised by the physio.
- During the inpatient period, mobility is progressed.
Day 3:
- Michał asks ‘When can I go back to the gym?
- Prior to discharge patients will receive advice from the MDT regarding their recovery, activity guidelines and cardiac rehabilitation follow-up.
Day 4:
- The physio watches Michał try the stairs.
- Patients will often have stair practice prior to discharge to ensure they can manage a flight safely and comfortably.
Pulse point
There are 3 Cardiac Surgery Centres across Scotland:
North: The North of Scotland Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
West: The West of Scotland Regional Heart & Lung Centre
East : Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
These are useful to look for specific information regarding your patient’s cardiac surgery. An additional resource is the Society for cardiothoracic surgery.
Page last reviewed: 27 Jul 2020
