Despite the routine and the high level of safety and experience, cardiac surgical procedures still represent major procedures with as associated risk for morbidity and mortality.
The nature of the disease, the application of the heart-lung-machine and length of the procedure itself cause many biological changes in the patient. In order to guarantee the best medical care, therefore, the post-operative care will be provided by the ICU.

In Rostock, the interdisciplinary ICU ward is managed by the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

After the procedure the patient will be transferred to the ICU while still under general anesthesia. The essential vital parameters, such as ECG, blood pressure, respiration, kidney function and others are monitored. In case of any changes, the patient can be treated immediately. Well trained staff and most recent devices provide post-operative care at the highest level.

After recovery from the anesthesia, once the patient can be weaned off the respirator, the tube is removed and the patient can communicate with her/his environment.

In case of an eventless and smooth postoperative course the patient will be transferred back to the cardiac surgery ward on day one after surgery.

Sometimes patients have a prolonged recovery and, therefore, require a longer stay at the ICU. Patients will stay at the ICU as long as their condition requires.

The modern intensive care medicine provides optimal management also for these patients and is essential to achieve the best results for the patient.

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