Patient Care & Guidance

Patient Resources & Guides

Clear, empowering information to help you and your loved ones prepare for surgery, understand recovery timelines, and navigate cardiac wellness with confidence.

Surgical Roadmap

Your Surgery Journey Step-by-Step

1

Pre-Admission Workup

Comprehensive review of angiogram, blood tests, carotid doppler, and pulmonary function. Clear instructions on medication tapering (e.g. blood thinners).

2

Surgery & Cardiac ICU

State-of-the-art hybrid OR execution. Close 1-on-1 monitoring by specialized cardiac intensivists with early extubation protocols.

3

Step-Down Recovery

Transfer to inpatient ward on Day 2. Guided progressive ambulation, chest physiotherapy, and breathing spirometry to restore lung capacity.

4

Discharge & Home Rehab

Discharge typically between Day 3 and 6. Structured wound care plan, dietary roadmap, and outpatient follow-up schedule with Dr. Furtado.

Patient Library

Educational Handbooks & Checklists

Written by Dr. Arul Furtado and the cardiac nursing team to answer practical everyday questions.

Pre-Op 8 min read

Preparing for Your Cardiac Surgery: A Step-by-Step Patient Handbook

A comprehensive pre-admission roadmap covering what to bring, fasting guidelines, tests required, and medications to pause before surgery.

2.4 MB PDF
Guide 6 min read

Understanding Minimally Invasive & Robotic Heart Surgery vs. Traditional Sternotomy

An illustrated side-by-side guide answering key patient questions regarding incision sizes, pain management, recovery timelines, and eligibility.

1.8 MB PDF
Post-Op 10 min read

The First 30 Days at Home: Post-Operative Recovery and Wound Care

Practical daily guidance for surgical wound care, bathing, sleep positions, pain medication tapering, and signs that warrant contacting the surgical team.

3.1 MB PDF
Diet 7 min read

Heart-Healthy Nutrition: Dietary Guidelines After Coronary & Valve Surgery

Dietitian-approved recipes and nutrition essentials focusing on sodium restriction, healthy fats, diabetic control, and heart tissue healing.

1.5 MB PDF
Rehab 9 min read

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Safe Exercise, Breathing, and Stamina Building

Guided progressive walking programs, incentive spirometry breathing exercises, and safe return to driving and exercise routines.

2.8 MB PDF
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Patient & Family Queries

How do I know if I am eligible for Minimally Invasive or Robotic Cardiac Surgery?
Candidacy depends on your specific cardiac anatomy, coronary vessel distribution, pulmonary function, and whether you have had prior thoracic surgeries. During your initial consultation, Dr. Arul Furtado performs a detailed review of your Coronary Angiogram, CT Angio, and Echocardiogram to determine whether keyhole MICS or Da Vinci robotic approach offers the safest, highest-quality outcome.
How soon can I return to work and driving after surgery?
For patients undergoing Robotic or Minimally Invasive Surgery (MICS), the sternum is untouched. Most patients are discharged within 3 to 4 days and can resume driving and light office work in 2 to 3 weeks. For patients undergoing conventional sternotomy, driving is typically resumed around 6 to 8 weeks to allow complete bone healing.
How does the Second Opinion Service work for outstation or international patients?
Patients or family members can easily upload recent Angiogram CDs, Echocardiography reports, and discharge summaries via our secure online portal. Dr. Furtado personally evaluates the imaging studies and provides a comprehensive surgical opinion and treatment roadmap within 24 to 48 hours via video tele-consultation.
Is robotic cardiac surgery safe compared to open surgery?
Yes. Extensive international registries validate that robotic cardiac surgery has equivalent or superior clinical safety metrics in experienced hands. The robotic console provides 10x 3D magnification, eliminates natural hand tremor, and allows micro-precise suturing within restricted anatomical corridors without opening the chest bone.
Are treatments covered under health insurance and cashless hospital networks?
Yes. Aster DM Healthcare is partnered with all major private health insurers, TPAs, and corporate cashless networks in India and internationally. Our dedicated clinical coordination desk assists you with pre-authorization and documentation.
Remote & Outstation Patients

Need an Expert Surgical Second Opinion?

If you have an upcoming surgery recommendation, share your coronary angiogram or echocardiogram report with Dr. Arul Furtado for a clear, objective assessment of minimally invasive and arterial revascularization options.

Request Second Opinion