We are pleased that you and your physician have chosen Inova Schar Heart and Vascular for your upcoming cardiac surgery. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Please download and read our printable guides and watch the step-by-step videos below.

If you have questions or concerns, please call 571-472-4600.

Meet Our Team

What to Expect - Printable Guides for Patients

The cardiovascular surgery patient handbook and pre-op class presentation for patients explain what to expect before, during, and after your cardiac surgery, including information about:

  • Our care team
  • Pre-surgical instructions
  • Friends and family on the day of surgery
  • Post-op recovery and discharge
  • Pain management
  • Long-term recovery and support

Download the Patient Handbook

Download the Pre-Op Class PowerPoint

Pre-surgery: Arrival and Pre-op Procedures

This video explains:

  • Parking
  • Where to go when you arrive
  • The registration process
  • Pre-op procedures
  • Family waiting area and dining options
  • What to expect during and after your procedure

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Pre-surgery: Arrival and Pre-op Procedures

Post-Surgery: Recovery Steps, Pain Management and More

This video explains:

  • How your care plan is determined
  • Post-surgery time in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
  • Transfer to the Cardiovascular Step-Down Unit
  • What to expect after anesthesia
  • Procedures and monitoring
    Pain management
  • Inova’s systematic recovery care

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Post-Surgery: Recovery Steps, Pain Management and More

Mended Hearts - Heart Surgery Support Group

Mended Hearts is a support group for heart surgery patients at Inova Alexandria Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Please call us for more information: 703-776-8216.

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Mended Hearts Volunteers Celebrate 30-Year Anniversary
8081 Innovation Park Dr, #800 Inova Specialty Center Fairfax, VA 22031
Get Directions
Fax: 571-665-6865
Sun Closed
Mon 8:00AM-5:00PM
Tue 8:00AM-5:00PM
Wed 8:00AM-5:00PM
Thu 8:00AM-5:00PM
Fri 8:00AM-5:00PM
Sat Closed

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions about your surgery after reading our printable What to Expect guide and watching the videos on this page, please call 703-280-5858.