Physical therapy for CVA pt's after heart operations

Hi all, I would like you to help me find the way that we (PT's) deal with CVA patients after a heart operation.

Hasan

So long as they are medically stable, I'd think there was no special management except monitor vital signs and watch for fatigue, chest pain, SOB etc.

it depends on the stage/days post op
early rehab (Day 1-3) can consist of the following regimen (if medically stable):
-ambulation as tolerated
-advice/reiteration on contraindications e.g. no lifting weights above a few kilos for 6 weeks to protect the sternum (if it was cut open for the surgery)
-ROM exercises for the upper limb to protect from post-surgical shoulder stiffness (probably Day 2 onwards)
-a simple group exercise program for patients to interact and give them an excuse to exercise more - also puts in place the 'mentality' required for exercise earlier on (Day 2 onwards)
-the current literature supports mainly ambulation without the need for deep breathing exercises in straightforward cases in preventing post-operative pulmonary complications, although breathing exercises and adjuncts for sputum clearance/oxygenation is warranted if indicated.

formal cardiac rehabilitation should commence some time after discharge (depending on the waiting list) with the aim of returning to pre-surgical fitness and/or a functional level (depending on age)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by alinguyen

it depends on the stage/days post op
early rehab (Day 1-3) can consist of the following regimen (if medically stable):
-ambulation as tolerated
-advice/reiteration on contraindications e.g. no lifting weights above a few kilos for 6 weeks to protect the sternum (if it was cut open for the surgery)
-ROM exercises for the upper limb to protect from post-surgical shoulder stiffness (probably Day 2 onwards)
-a simple group exercise program for patients to interact and give them an excuse to exercise more - also puts in place the 'mentality' required for exercise earlier on (Day 2 onwards)
-the current literature supports mainly ambulation without the need for deep breathing exercises in straightforward cases in preventing post-operative pulmonary complications, although breathing exercises and adjuncts for sputum clearance/oxygenation is warranted if indicated.

formal cardiac rehabilitation should commence some time after discharge (depending on the waiting list) with the aim of returning to pre-surgical fitness and/or a functional level (depending on age)

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oops I read CVA as CVD...you meant CVA as in stroke yeah? is this an acute episode of stroke or a person who has had the CVA for along time? If it is an acute episode of stroke and if they are medically stable, early mobilisation or sitting out of bed if they can't, is vital to prevent post-operative complications - and all the other things you do for an acute stroke