Advanced Practice Providers:
Working closely with your surgeon is a team of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs). There
are two types of APPs on this service, both performing the same job. They are Nurse
Practitioners and Physician Assistants. The CTS APPs are highly trained by the surgeons
within this specialty and work as the eyes and ears of your surgeon. You will be cared for by
the APPs before surgery (pre-operatively), and after surgery (post-operatively). The surgeons
and APPs will be collaborating with other specialists and making decisions regarding your care.
Clinical Coordinators:
The CTS Clinical Coordinators are Nurse Practitioners that will work closely with you and your
family during the pre-operative and post-operative period. Our coordinators will assist you with
ensuring that your pre-operative work up and discharge from the hospital is smooth and will see
you upon your first follow up appointment. The clinical coordinator is your direct contact for
any questions you may have.
Registered Nurses:
All of your care, pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post operatively, will be administered by
a team of highly skilled RN's who have undergone specialized training and education specific
to Cardiac Surgery.
Respiratory Therapist:
To assure superior respiratory care and for post-operative respiratory management the
respiratory therapists will assist you in performing deep breathing exercises appropriately,
administering nebulizers and inhalants as ordered and will coordinate management with the
Cardiac Surgeons, APP's and RN's.
Physical Therapist:
All of our cardiac surgery patients are evaluated by licensed physical therapists after surgery.
They assist you in regaining your strength, assessing your level of activity and educate you on
the skills needed to return home and back to your routine activities. Physical therapists also
assist you in assessing your need for rehab before returning home.
6

---