Endo Tracheal Tube/ Mechanical Ventilator:
The endotracheal tube passes through your mouth or nose into your trachea (windpipe) and is attached to a mechanical ventilator (respirator). The ventilator breathes for you until you are awake and able to breath on your own. The tube is usually removed 1 to 6 hours after surgery or when the intensive care unit team feels you are ready to have the tube removed.
Because the tube passes through your larynx (voice box) and into your trachea, you will be unable to talk or make any sounds while this tube is in place. Your nurse understands this and will provide a way to communicate with you during this time.
While you have the endotracheal tube in place, it will be necessary for your nurse or respiratory therapist to clean the tube. This is called suctioning, and it is important because it clears the tube of mucous secretions normally produced by your lungs. A suction catheter is passed down the endotracheal tube, which will remove the mucous secretions out of your airway. This procedure takes only a few seconds.
After the endotracheal tube is removed, you will be asked to cough and deep breathe every hour. You will be given a small pillow to splint your chest incision while performing your deep breathing and coughing exercises. After removal of this tube you will be able to talk, but your throat may be sore for a short time afterwards.
Heart Monitors:
You will have five (5) leads on your chest, which will transmit a continuous tracing of your electrocardiogram (ECG) and heart rate onto a monitor screen. Each monitor has alarms that are very sensitive to movement, so you and your family should not be frightened if the alarm rings. Your ECG and heart rate will be monitored during your entire stay in the CVICU.
Pacing Wires:
Small pacing wires are placed on the surface of the heart during your surgery. The purpose of these wires is to increase your heart rate if needed after surgery.
The wires are removed before you go home, with little or no discomfort.
Mediastinal Tubes:
Generally, you will have one or two tubes in your chest, referred to as mediastinal tubes or ‘Blake’ tubes.
The purpose of these tubes is to drain blood and fluid from your chest cavity following surgery. Often these tubes are removed the morning following surgery, but sometimes one drainage tube remains for 2 or 3 days.
Intravenous Lines (IV):
You will have IVs through which you may receive blood, fluids, and antibiotics. Once you are taking adequate fluids by mouth, an adapter can be placed on the IV so you are attached only when you require medication.
Bladder Catheter:
As discussed earlier, you will have a catheter, which will drain the urine from your bladder. This catheter is removed the morning following surgery.
Heart Pressure Lines (Pulmonary Artery Catheter):
You may also be attached to lines that read the pressures in your heart and the blood pressure in your body. Generally, these are removed the day following surgery.
