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Parent’s Guide to Heart Surgery
- Cardiology Patient Information
What to expect for Your Child's First
Heart Operation
Welcome!
The staff of the Heart Center wants to help answer
questions about what to expect for your child's first heart
operation. We also want you to know what to expect when you
visit the hospital—that’s
why we’ve created this section of important cardiology
patient information.
The nurses and staff of the Heart Center are specially
trained to care for children with heart disease before
and after surgery. We provide close observation and specialized care
for each child.
Before Surgery
It’s very important for your child to stay well before their operation!
As hard as it might be, try to keep your child away from sick children
or adults to prevent them from catching something. If your child does
get sick, visit your pediatrician. They will help determine whether your
child should reschedule the surgery.
There is a possibility that your child’s surgeon will conduct
tests on your child before surgery to determine the type of heart problem
and how severe it is. These tests may include an echocardiogram (ECHO),
cardiac catheterization, blood tests, urinalysis, chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram.
The Night Before
Your doctor may give your child special instructions
for the night before, such as eating and drinking guidelines or a special
soap to bathe with. Be sure to follow their instructions. Otherwise,
get a good night’s rest.
What to Bring to the Hospital
Many children prefer to have some of their personal
belongings with them while they stay in the hospital…a favorite
blanket, toy or stuffed animal. Feel free to bring them along with
you. Other than that, you should only bring pajamas, slippers and personal
items (such as a toothbrush). We will provide you with linens, formula
and soap. If you have any other questions about what to bring or what
the hospital provides, ask your child’s doctor or nurse.
While You Wait
The Children’s Heart Center provides you and one other adult the
opportunity to spend the night in a private waiting room, located to
the right of the yellow elevators on the fourth floor. There is a shower
area with linens and lockers provided for caregiver use. We ask that
you do not bring personal linens from home because of infection control
policies at ACH. The waiting room has a television and a telephone for
your use. No children under 12 are allowed in the waiting room, so we
strongly encourage you to make childcare arrangements for your other
children while your child is at the Heart Center.
There will be a Family Service Assistant available during the day to
help you with your questions, and the nursing staff will help you at
night.
As well at the Heart Center waiting room, the Family
Service Assistants and social workers can give you
information for hotel discounts or the Ronald McDonald
House.
The Heart Center of Arkansas Children's Hospital
also offers a variety of outpatient services to help
your child before and after surgery, such as pacemaker
clinics and clinics for heart
disease. |
