Complications may occur with any surgery. With heart surgery, they can include:

• Arrhythmias – irregular heart beat
• Bleeding – which may require re-operation
• Stroke – particularly in the elderly
• Wound infections – although uncommon, an infection may occur in the sternum, leg or arm wounds.

These complications will be discussed with you further, by your surgeon or registrar before surgery.

This information was first published in You and Your Heart Surgery - an education booklet for patients, families and friends. © 2002 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service