Preparing for Your Cardiac Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

We are pleased that you and your physician have chosen Inova Heart and Vascular Institute (IHVI) for your upcoming cardiac surgery. Our goal is to make your experience at IHVI as comfortable as possible. Please take time to download and read our printable guide , watch the step-by-step videos below, and note any questions or concerns you wish to discuss with your care team. If you have questions or concerns, please call 571-472-4600.

What to Expect - Printable Guide

This printable guide explains what to expect before, during and after your cardiac surgery, including details about:

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

Cardiac Surgery: What to Expect

Pre-surgery: Arrival and Pre-op Procedures

This video explains:

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

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

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.

Mended Hearts Volunteers Celebrate 30-Year Anniversary

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.