Having Heart Surgery
Planning and preparing for your surgery will help you lower your stress and focus on your recovery. The information and resources shared below are designed to get you ready for your surgery and stay at Cedars-Sinai. If you have any concerns or questions that are not answered in the information shared here, please talk to your doctor.
Get ready for your heart surgery by completing your pre-operative clearance, listing your medications, getting your home ready and eating right. Learn more about what to expect before your surgery.
Learn what to expect on the day before and morning of your surgery, as well as what to expect immediately after surgery when you start your recovery at the hospital.
Improve your recovery by following these postoperative instructions, in addition to recommendations from your cardiologist, after you leave the hospital.
Your Care Team
As our patient, you will have a comprehensive team of specialists to help you all the way through your surgery and recovery by creating a personalized care plan for your needs. Below are types of medical staff members that may form part of your care team during your treatment at Cedars-Sinai.
Cardiologist: Cardiologists are specially trained to diagnose, treat and prevent conditions of the heart, veins and arteries. They collaborate with your primary care doctor and if needed, your cardiac surgeon to ensure you are receiving the most comprehensive care for your condition.
Cardiac Surgeon: Your cardiac surgeon is the doctor who will perform your surgery and will be the main person responsible for your care. He or she may be helped by fellows. Fellows are board certified general surgeons training to be cardiac surgeons. They also will take care of you during your hospital stay.
Cardiac Intensivist: A Cardiac Intensivist has advanced training and experience to care for those patients in the cardiac care unit.
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have special education and training. They will work with your surgeon to implement your plan of care and will be involved with your care during hospitalization.
Case Manager and Social Worker: Your case manager and social worker help organize your care. They help arrange any community resources you need such as transportation to appointments, finding a caregiver to assist you at home, finding someone to help you with meals and answering questions about insurance.
Physical Therapist: Your physical therapist will help you get back your strength and balance after surgery. They will give you exercises to do while you are in the hospital.
Occupational Therapist: Your occupational therapist will help you learn how to return to your normal activities safely, such as getting dressed, going to the bathroom and taking a shower.
Important Cedars-Sinai Phone Numbers
We are here to help you in any way. Please use the listings below to reach our most commonly requested team members.
- Social Worker: 310-423-4446
- Case Manager: 310-423-4446
- Home Health Coordinator: 310-423-4446
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: 310-423-9660
- Spiritual Care (Rabbi or Chaplain): 310-423-5550
- Hospitality: 310-423-4444
- Patient Financial Services/Billing: 323-866-8600
Cardiac Surgery
The Cardiac Surgery Program at Cedars Sinai offers many different treatment options. Whether using conventional surgical methods or minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic surgery, rest assured our highly-skilled team of experts provides comprehensive treatment for your heart condition.
Get Help or Make an Appointment
Call or send a message to the Heart team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.