A heart surgery trip, stage by stage

The stages of a heart bypass trip to India: cardiac reports, the surgeon’s opinion, the operation, intensive care, the ward, discharge and rehabilitation.

Infographic

By Nikhil Sharma, Founder · Updated · How we write and check

A heart surgery trip such as a coronary bypass follows set stages: cardiac reports and a surgeon’s opinion before travel, tests on admission, the operation, intensive care, the ward, discharge and cardiac rehabilitation at home. The cardiac team decides whether surgery is right, how long you stay in India and when it is safe to fly.

IndiaMedicaA heart surgery trip, stage by stage
  1. Before travelCardiac reports reviewedAngiography images, echocardiogram, ECG and blood tests go to cardiac surgeons for written opinions.
  2. AdmissionTests and anaesthetic reviewThe hospital repeats key tests and the anaesthetist checks you before the operation.
  3. OperationBypass surgeryUnder general anaesthetic, healthy blood vessels are used to route blood around narrowed arteries.
  4. Intensive careClose monitoringMachines monitor the heart and lungs. A breathing tube is removed once you are awake.
  5. WardMoving againNurses and physiotherapists help you get up and walk. Wounds are checked.
  6. DischargeRecords and travel adviceCollect the discharge summary, medicines, wound advice and the team’s view on flying.
  7. HomeCardiac rehabilitationFollow-up appointments and an exercise programme continue with your local doctor.
A seven-stage timeline of a heart bypass trip from sending cardiac reports to cardiac rehabilitation at home.

What happens before you travel?

A cardiac surgeon needs to see your heart tests before giving an opinion. These usually include coronary angiography images, an echocardiogram, an ECG and recent blood tests. Send the images as files, not only the written reports. IndiaMedica shares them with accredited hospitals you agree to and returns written opinions and estimates.

What happens during the operation and in intensive care?

The NHS describes coronary artery bypass graft surgery as an operation under general anaesthetic. Healthy blood vessels, usually from the leg or chest, are attached so blood can bypass narrowed sections of artery. A heart-lung machine may keep blood circulating during the operation. Afterwards patients usually go to intensive care, where machines monitor the heart and lungs.

What happens on the ward?

Once stable you move to a ward. The NHS says nurses and physiotherapists help patients get out of bed and move around soon after surgery. You will have a chest wound and wounds where vessels were taken. The team shows you how to care for them.

What happens after discharge?

  • Stay near the hospital until the team says you are fit to fly.
  • Carry the discharge summary, medicines list and wound care advice.
  • Ask for a written plan for cardiac rehabilitation at home.
  • Share all records with your local cardiologist.
  • Use teleconsultations for questions about medicines or symptoms.

Official guidance on recovery

The NHS says it usually takes 2 to 3 months to fully recover from a coronary bypass. Your own cardiac team will give advice for your case.

Questions people ask

Is a heart surgery trip the same for valve surgery or angioplasty?

The stages are similar: reports, opinion, admission, procedure, recovery, discharge and follow-up. The detail differs. Angioplasty is less invasive than open surgery. Valve surgery has its own tests. Your cardiac team will explain the plan for the procedure they advise.

Who should come with me?

An attendant who can stay with you throughout is strongly advisable. They help with meals, medicines and paperwork and can talk to the doctors with you. Up to two attendants can apply for e-Medical Attendant visas linked to the patient’s e-Medical visa.

Sources

General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. How we write and check.

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