Preparation area
You will wait with other patients in the preparation area of the operating suite until it is your turn. An operating theatre nurse will verify your identity and the type of surgery, while also administering the necessary care (e.g. placing an IV). Once the operating theatre is ready, the nurse will transport you there in your bed.
Operating theatre
- Once in the operating theatre, you will be positioned on the operating table with the assistance of an operating theatre nurse.
- The anaesthetist ensures the safe conduct of your surgery. You will receive an IV containing a fast-acting anaesthetic, medication, and fluids. After the medication is administered, you will quickly lose consciousness. Once fully anaesthetised, the anaesthetist manages your artificial sleep, pain control, and the stabilisation of your vital functions. A breathing tube will be placed in your trachea, and you will be connected to a monitoring system to track your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
- If a heart-lung machine is required, the anaesthetist works closely with the perfusion team, responsible for the machine's operation and cardiac protection.
- Before the cardiac surgeon begins the operation, a final safety check is performed. Using standard safety procedures, we do everything possible to ensure the safe progression of your surgery. Patient safety remains the central focus throughout your stay.
- Operating theatre nurses are specifically trained to assist both the surgeon and the anaesthetist. They fulfil three distinct roles: instrumenting, assisting, and circulating. In addition to preoperative preparation and patient positioning, they are responsible for preparing and supplying sterile instruments, suturing, and wound care.
- Other specialist doctors may also be called into the operating theatre if required.
- After the surgery, the cardiac surgeon will inform your family by phone.
The E core
Your surgery will take place in the E core of the operating suite. This core comprises seven operating theatres grouped around a central logistical hub. Each operating theatre is a sealed environment equipped with advanced technology, where sterility is maintained at all times. The surgical team wears specialised clothing to minimise the risk of infection.
Healthcare providers work in rotating shifts to ensure continuous staffing of the operating suite. Alongside doctors and perfusionists, operating theatre nurses participate in an on-call system, ensuring surgeries can be performed at any time of day or night.