Understanding Open-Heart Surgery at The Elliot

The Elliot Heart and Vascular Center provides a patient-first approach to open-heart surgery, led by experienced cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Gerald Sardella. From initial consultation through recovery and cardiac rehabilitation, patients receive personalized guidance, compassionate support, and continuity of care. With heart disease remaining the leading cause of death in New Hampshire, The Elliot’s advanced surgical program ensures local access to life-saving procedures without the need to travel. Combining clinical excellence with clear communication and emotional reassurance, The Elliot’s open-heart surgery program empowers patients and families every step of the way.

Hearing the words “you need heart surgery” can feel overwhelming. At The Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, we believe trust begins with answers. That’s why our open-heart surgery program at The Elliot is built around giving patients and families the time, guidance, and support they need to understand what lies ahead and to approach each step with confidence.

From the first consultation through full recovery, patients are surrounded by an experienced, compassionate team that treats every person as a partner, not a procedure. As Dr. Gerald Sardella, cardiothoracic surgeon at The Elliot Heart and Vascular Center, says, “When patients feel heard and understood, their confidence grows, and that becomes a part of healing.”

Why Heart Surgery Matters in Southern New Hampshire

After decades of decline, deaths from cardiovascular disease are once again on the rise. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both New Hampshire and across the United States. According to the American Heart Association, it accounts for nearly one in five deaths statewide, or about 22% of all deaths, making it New Hampshire’s top killer.

To meet this growing need, The Elliot Heart and Vascular Center has expanded its services to include an open-heart surgery program. This ensures patients in Southern New Hampshire continue to have access to advanced heart care without the need to travel out of state for care.

Understanding Open Heart Surgery at The Elliot

When open heart surgery is recommended, patients naturally have questions. What will happen? How long will it take? What does recovery look like?

Our approach is simple: don’t leave questions unanswered. With more than two decades of experience performing complex heart surgeries, Dr. Sardella meets personally with each patient and their family to explain the diagnosis, describe the procedure in clear language, and ensure everyone understands the path ahead. These conversations are intentional, allowing patients the time they need to feel informed and reassured.

“I want patients to walk away from that first meeting knowing two things,” Dr. Sardella says. “That they’re in capable hands, and that we’re in this together.”

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation begins well before the day of surgery, and at the Elliot Hospital, patients never go through it alone.

Our highly experienced team works closely with each patient to explain what needs to happen before surgery: preoperative tests, medication adjustments, nutrition guidance, and “prehab” activities when appropriate. Patients receive clear instructions on what to bring, how to prepare their skin to reduce infection risk, and what to expect on arrival.

During this stage, patients also meet with the cardiothoracic surgery care team to review the recovery plan. Families are encouraged to ask questions and take an active role in the process. As Dr. Sardella notes, “When patients and families understand what to expect, the anxiety lessens, and they can focus on healing.”

The Day of Surgery

On surgery day, patients arrive early at the hospital where the care team provides step-by-step guidance from preparation through anesthesia. Once in the operating room, Dr. Sardella and the surgical team perform the procedure, which typically lasts four to six hours, depending on the patient and condition.

A defining feature of the program is continuity of care. The same familiar faces who guided patients through preparation are present in the OR, during recovery, and at follow-up appointments. This consistent approach helps reduce anxiety and ensures clear communication throughout the surgical journey.

Dr. Sardella explains, “We designed this program so patients always see familiar faces. The same team that prepares them for surgery is there afterward, too.”

Recovery and Ongoing Support

In the Hospital
After surgery, patients are closely monitored by the care team for vital signs, wound healing, and overall recovery. Pain is carefully managed, and physical and occupational therapists guide gentle movement and breathing exercises to rebuild strength and support lung function.

Transitioning Home
Before discharge, patients receive a personalized recovery plan that includes daily monitoring of heart rate and temperature, wound care instructions, medication guidance, and tips for nutrition and activity. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Sardella or an advanced practice provider is typically scheduled two to three weeks after discharge to review progress and answer questions.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Southern NH
After discharge, patients begin cardiac rehabilitation. This is a medically supervised exercise and education program designed to rebuild strength and confidence. Cardiac rehab helps patients improve their heart health and safely return to their daily life.

“Our commitment doesn’t end when you leave the hospital,” Dr. Sardella says. “Recovery is about more than healing the heart. It’s about restoring your whole life.”

A Program That Puts Patients First

What truly sets The Elliot Heart and Vascular Center apart is its ability to combine advanced cardiac surgery with genuine patient-centered care. Patients receive one-on-one time with their surgeon and the surgical team, ongoing support throughout recovery, and seamless coordination between specialists.

Serving southern New Hampshire and beyond, The Elliot’s cardiothoracic surgery program offers patients and referring providers a trusted option for complex heart care. For providers, this means coordinated communication, direct access to the surgical team, and confidence that their patients will receive exceptional care without having to travel far.

This personal approach to heart care is rooted in The Elliot’s enduring commitment to its patients, its community, and its mission to inspire wellness, heal our patients, and serve with compassion. For more than 130 years, The Elliot has been a trusted part of this community, caring for generations of families with skill, compassion, and integrity. At The Elliot, open heart surgery is not just a procedure; it is a partnership built on trust, time, and compassion. From the first appointment to the final follow-up, The Elliot team walks beside each patient every step of the way.