The surgeon also places one to three tubes into the chest cavity to drain excess fluid that may accumulate over the next few days. The surgeon then stiches the pericardium back together and inserts stainless steel wires to hold the breastbone in place. These wires will remain in the patient forever. The skin and fat layers are then sewn together with sutures that will eventually dissolve. At this point, the patient is ready to be transported to the surgical intensive care unit.
Most patients return to home within four to five days following surgery.