Cardiothoracic Surgery

Washington Health has been a leader in surgical intervention and treatment of adult heart disease for decades. The cardiac surgery program focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to providing care for our patients.

​​The cardiac surgery program at Washington Health 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 Health 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.

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"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 Health.

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 Health 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 Health 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.