From your first consultation through to recovery and follow-up, each stage of your care is carefully planned and clearly explained.
Heart and aortic surgery often come after a period of tests, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. Understanding what to expect can help make the process feel more manageable and give you confidence in the steps ahead.
You may be referred by your GP or cardiologist, or you may choose to arrange a private consultation directly.
Appointments are organised efficiently, and any scans or reports you already have are reviewed in advance where possible.
Where further investigations are required, these are arranged promptly to ensure the process moves forward without unnecessary delay.
Your consultation is conducted personally by Mr Ahmed Othman.
During this appointment:
If surgery is recommended, a structured pre-operative assessment is arranged.
This may include:
You will be admitted to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital the day before your operation, where you will be cared for in The Rowan Suite, the hospital’s dedicated private patient facility.
This allows time for final checks and preparation ahead of surgery.
On the day of surgery:
After surgery, you are cared for in a cardiac intensive care unit.
As recovery progresses:
Mr Ahmed Othman will see you daily following surgery, guiding your recovery and ensuring you are ready for discharge.
You and your family are kept informed throughout, and each stage of recovery is explained clearly.
Follow-up is an important part of your care. This may include clinic review and, where appropriate, imaging to monitor your heart or aorta.
Clear contact details are provided if you have any concerns once you are home.
In many cases, once assessment and any required investigations are complete, surgery can be arranged within a few weeks.
Timing is guided by your clinical condition and the information needed to plan treatment safely. Where additional tests are required, these are organised promptly to allow the process to move forward without unnecessary delay.
Careful planning remains essential to ensure surgery is performed at the right time and under the safest conditions.
Consultations and surgical procedures are conducted personally by Mr Ahmed Othman. Following surgery, he will see you daily on the ward and continue to review your progress until you are safely discharged. This ensures continuity of care and clear communication at every stage of your recovery.
Most patients spend around one week in hospital, depending on the procedure and individual recovery. For some more complex surgeries, hospital stay might be longer due to the nature of the operation. More information is available on what to expect during your hospital stay and recovery.
Recovery continues at home with a gradual increase in activity over the following weeks.
You will be given clear guidance on wound care, medication, and physical activity before discharge. Follow-up arrangements are made to review your progress and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected.
Most patients find that strength and confidence improve steadily with time, supported by structured follow-up and, where appropriate, cardiac rehabilitation.
Early recovery takes place over the first few weeks after surgery, during which time energy levels gradually improve and normal daily activities are reintroduced.
Full recovery continues over a longer period, with steady progress as your body heals. The pace of recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and your overall health, and this will be discussed with you as part of your care.
A gradual return to normal activity is encouraged as recovery progresses.
Light daily activities are usually resumed within the first few weeks, with a steady increase in physical activity over time. Driving, work, and more demanding activities are reintroduced in a structured way, based on your recovery and the type of surgery performed.
Clear guidance is provided before discharge and during follow-up to ensure activities are resumed safely and at the appropriate pace.
Many patients require ongoing follow-up after heart or aortic surgery.
This may include clinic reviews and, where appropriate, imaging to monitor your heart or aorta over time. Follow-up is tailored to your condition and procedure, ensuring that any changes are identified and managed appropriately.
Before discharge, you will be provided with clear contact details so you can seek advice if needed once you are home.
This ensures that any concerns can be addressed promptly and that you feel supported throughout your recovery.