Pre-Op Questions.

[Joel]

Hello All.

I'm new here, and as you can imagine, I am about to go through OHS.

No symptoms, but I will have my Aortic Valve replaced with a St. Jude mechanical and my ascending Aorta replaced with ?Dacron? The ascending Aorta is dialated to 4.9cm, thats the trigger for surgery according to my thoracic surgeon. Aortic Stenosis was diagnosed when I was 8 yrs old. I Always knew the surgery was coming. Now at 42 it is here.

My date is July 12th, procedure will be done at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, part of the Dartmouth Hitchcock medical center in Lebanon, NH.

I've read all the threads that I could find and couldn't find answers to my questions, but I apologize if these things have been covered before. I appreciate any feedback you may have on these things.


Questions:
1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

Thanks for any info. Everyone on this forum seems so supportive I guess damaged hearts make stronger hearts.

Joel

 

[Tom F.]

I had an aortic valve repair done so I cannot answer your questions regarding the St Jude's and coumadin. However, unless something goes wrong you will be reading and watching TV the day after your surgery. For some the concentration is not really totally there, so reading might be more of a challenge. But I was ok in that department. Its kind of amazing how fast your world returns to normal. I also had a Lazy boy that I slept in for the first 3 nights home, then went to bed, and that worked out fine.

 

[bvdr]

Joel, welcome!

During early recovery you will have the "time" for some of those relaxing things you mention but it might be a little hard to concentrate enough to read a novel or even a movie while still in the hospital. I found what I appreciated most was listening to favorite CDs. I had requested to only have immediate family as visitors and I was glad about that since I really didn't feel like chatting.

I had a recliner, and I spent much time there during the day, but I was able to sleep in bed right away with the help of many pillows.

Cardiac rehab is a very good idea. I had United Healthcare at the time of surgery and it was covered.

If you get a mechanical valve then push for home monitoring right away. If it is a certainty you will be on it for the rest of your life then I don't see any reason to delay it.

I don't believe even prosthetic heart valves are considered to be
"prosthetics". I believe that does refer to artifical limbs. I don't know what valves themselves actually cost though that is an interesting question.

I wish the best for you as you go through this pre-op time. We often hear it said around here that the waiting is the hardest part and I agree!

 

[CCRN]

Answers?

Answers?

Hello All.

I'm new here, and as you can imagine, I am about to go through OHS.

No symptoms, but I will have my Aortic Valve replaced with a St. Jude mechanical and my ascending Aorta replaced with ?Dacron? The ascending Aorta is dialated to 4.9cm, thats the trigger for surgery according to my thoracic surgeon. Aortic Stenosis was diagnosed when I was 8 yrs old. I Always knew the surgery was coming. Now at 42 it is here.

My date is July 12th, procedure will be done at the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital, part of the Dartmouth Hitchcock medical center in Lebanon, NH.

I've read all the threads that I could find and couldn't find answers to my questions, but I apologize if these things have been covered before. I appreciate any feedback you may have on these things.


Questions:
1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

Thanks for any info. Everyone on this forum seems so supportive I guess damaged hearts make stronger hearts.

Joel

Hi Joel,

I had the same procedure you're going to have on the 7th of June. I'm glad Pam answered you because she was a Godsend to me and I'm a nurse who regularly participates in open heart surgery.....except for the next few months. My aorta was 4.5cm but 3 times the size of my descending aorta. This was not discovered until my cardiac cath 4 days before my surgery. Up until that point I was expecting "Just an aotic valve replacement for stenosis". I was asymptomatic as well.

Here are my answers:

1. During my first week post op I basically slept, used my inspirometer, walked and tried to eat which was very difficult to me........I just had no appetite. I also enjoyed seeing visitors for brief periods of time. I usually read the paper and did the crossword but didn't start back with that till this week. My brother sent me a book I really wanted to read but I haven't started that yet.
I watch TV a lot since I got home and get on the internet.......My husband has to place my laptop on my lap because I can't lift the dang thing.

2. Both....mostly the recliner. I got down in the bed flat one night and was really uncomfortable. I mostly nap on my bed maybe once a day but sleep in the recliner still.

3. Hopefully you don't have a aortic disection......or you would already be on your way to the operating room as we speak....not waiting for your july date.
You have marked enlargement of your ascending aorta, as I understand, and need valve replacement for aortic stenosis. I am going to go to rehab. No, I don't have coronary artery disease but I have been a very active person and I want assistance in pacing myself so I don't go "one step forward and two steps back" in my recovery. I may not go any more than Pam's husband but I have the benefit and, even though I am a nurse, I have already learned tons of things I never knew about this illness.

4. I have a very healthy respect for warfarin. I've taken care of patient's on the not so good receiving end. My surgeon wants me to manage my own but I'm not about to until I get a handle on this and see how my regular eating habits work out. My grandmother lived in a rural area and a nurse would come and draw her blood (public health) when she had trouble getting to the clinic. She was on coumadin for half her life. I argued and argued with my Doc for a tissue valve.......in the end I didn't have a choice and I am very, very thankful and happy. We health care people are weird about stuff like that. It's not a big deal......it's saving my life. Work with your physician on this one.

5. Not sure about the price of a Saint Jude dacron valve conduit.....which is what I got. There is a difference between company price and hospital price for sure. Don't worry about that. Your hospital will work out a payment plan for excess fees your insurance doesn't pay. Just stay well and have the surgery.

I hope I didn't run on too long and these answers help. You're going to be fine. You're in my prayers for a fast recovery.

 

[M&M]

Hi Joel, What a small world - I had my mitral valve replacement done at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon last May. I had a wonderful surgeon - Dr. Anthony DiScipio. Back to your questions.

1. I didn't sleep much at all right after my surgery - I think the hospital is to noisey. I wish I had, had a small portable DVD player - as I could have watched some movies that I like - channel programs didn't have much to offer. They do some cardiac rehab in the hospital before you leave and well you know the docs do rounds and your kept fairly busy - nurses checking in and so forth. Taking blood all the time. They don't let you go home till your INR is up alittle. I had to have mine up to 2.0 or they wouldn't let me go home and I had to stay a couple extra days to get up there...

2. When I got home I rested in the recliner - I slept in bed. The best thing is take your pain meds every so many hours - before the pain sets in and you don't suffer as much. Don't wait for the pain to come before you take your med. I got pain killers the first couple days and they made me vomit - luckily I was able to tolerate the pain with just "Motrin" - but I had to take it every 6 hours - or I was 'hurtin'.. But I took Motrin for the most part. Plus a hot soak in the tub each night - soak in the water with your back down and water just barely over your arms. So your back really gets the most. What a difference in the aches and pains. I slept like a baby. It worked for ME..

3. Cardiac Rehab is for 'every' cardiac patient. I guess it depends on what kind of shape you were in before surgery. They do give you some 'physical' exercise to do at home. It was very helpful to. It hurt at first (stiff) but the more I did it - the faster I recovered and felt in the long run.. That "Coach" is the best thing. I did it more than they said I had to - but I noticed it really helped me alot.

4. Warfarin - well I have a INR home monitor kit - but I had to pull teeth to get my insurance to pay. It took me months to get it. But its the best thing though. I don't have to run to the 'blood lab' and get tested all the time. It took me a couple mos before my INR stabilized. I prefer weekly testing - unless I'm way off my INR levels. They wanted me to give myself 'lovenox' shots in the stomach to get my INR level up - but I couldn't do it - I suggested they put me in hospital and give me the IV drip cause there was no way I was going to give myself shots - I HATE NEEDLES. I can't even stand to look at them. I found whatever you do eat consistently and it keeps your INR pretty level. But it takes time. It's frustrating at first.

I'm sure you'll do fine. I think DHMC is a great medical hospital. I was 48 and very athletic before my surgery so I think I recovered quite fast and I was at the beach 'boogey boarding' two weeks after my surgery. I'm not kidding that heart pillow they gave me - well I was using it as a pillow at the beach - soakin up some SUN RAYS.. and people watching. I was not going to stay at home and stare at the walls. I walked each day before I sat on the beach and rested on the sand and did my breathing exercises (coach) right at the beach.

By the way who is going to do your surgery?

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)

 

[tobagotwo]

1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

If you have no complications, you will at least be able to watch TV and listen to CDs. Things that require concentration are okay for some, impossible for others (frequently depends on what pain medication you are on). I opted for Fentanyl, instead of morphine, and it didn't seem to interfere with my meager powers of concentration.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

Some people seem to need the recliner or prefer the recliner. I slept in my bed from the first night, with no trouble, no extra pain. I rested in the recliner during the day, though, and believe it was better than the couch would have been.

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

It is for any heart patient, if they decide they want it or need it (i.e., it's voluntary). Some do, some don't. Some people find it reassuring, and some people find it helps to have someone else guide them. It can also help if you have a cardiac abnormality that will continue after surgery. I'm a recalcitrant individual and a simple case, so I took care of it myself. In general cases, it's not rocket science.

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

Dunno. I have a tissue valve. But I certainly understand why you would want to start soon.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

Generally, the total bill (in the U.S.) runs from $40,000 to over $100,000 for everything, including the valve and the surgery (average seems to be in the mid-$80,000s). In the UK, it can run $35,000 USD and up. You can fly to India and have it done (statistically as safely) for $10,000 USD or so, including airfare. I don't know what an individual valve itself costs these days. If you find out, please share...

Best wishes,

 

[Georgia]

I seem to remember that the cost of the valve on my itemized bill was either $12 or $14,000 ($12,000 is the number that sticks in my mind). I don't know if the cost of a mitral valve is different from the aortic - would be interesting to know.

A mechanical valve isn't treated as a prosthesis - no more than a pacemaker or the devices for peritoneal lavage.

 

[Superbob]

Joel,

Welcome, and best wishes for your pending surgery! Yours sounds somewhat similar to mine.

I'll offer my two cents on your questions that relate to my personal experience.

1. A recliner, definitely! I slept in the recliner for at least a month after the surgery. Had trouble even getting in and out of bed. Couldn't get in comfortable position to sleep.

2. There's plenty of time to read or watch Tv/movies. I do a lot of reading in my regular work so I pampered myself by watching lots of movies instead of reading much.

3. Cardiac rehab. I am halfway through a 36-session regimen (3 times a week for 12 weeks). It can get tedious at times, but I like it and find it worthwhile. It's entirely voluntary. You can pick up some good ideas, learn some new exercise routines, and maybe best of all, make some new friends. Insurance companies differ as to whether they will cover it or not, so need to find out beforehand.

Hope this is helpful. Look forward to hearing more about your progress.

Bob

 

[Marge]

Hello All.

Questions:
1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

Thanks for any info. Everyone on this forum seems so supportive I guess damaged hearts make stronger hearts.

Joel

Well, I had valve repair rather than replacement, and I had a mitral valve problem rather than an aortic valve problem, but I can try to answer some of the questions.

1. At the hospital, I was really grateful for my iPod. I had my music & I also downloaded some books from audible.com to the iPod -- could listen to them when I wasn't able to read.
The physical therapists get you up as soon as they possibly can once you are out of ICU ... first, they show you how to roll out of bed with the least amount of pain & strain to your chest; then they get you from bed to chair, and back; then, as soon as they can, they have you walking as much as possible while you are in the hospital. After the sessions with the physical therapists -- or after ANY effort at all -- you feel just exhausted, also you are very medicated, so at first you mostly sleep or at least drift in and out. It takes a while for the anesthesia effects to dissipate.
I was in the hospital four days. Slept a lot especially the first two days. Later, I read some -- Patrick O'Brien's Master & Commander ... a few pages at a time, but at least was able to read some. Am not a big TV watcher and the hospital set was pretty bad anyway so did not watch TV much.

2. Sleeping: I was really really lucky. Was dreading having to sleep on my back, which I've never ever done in my life, but found I could sleep on my side from very early after surgery. (Had very little chest pain, no problems with incision.) At home, I never did have to use the recliner to sleep. Slept in my own bed from when I first got home. Started out with about six pillows! Kept discarding pillows as I got better.

3. Lots of insurances only cover cardiac rehab for the bypass patients not the valvers, but I think it is useful for valvers also. I think whether you really need it depends a lot on how good you are at sticking to a program on your own. My cardio said I could do just as well by doing a consistent, disciplined exercise program on my own, but I thought the greater structure of the cardiac rehab program would be good for me, plus the monitoring by trained therapists was reassuring. My insurance didn't cover it so I negotiated a deal with the rehab people for a short program (a month--12 sessions instead of the full three months & 36 sessions) & paid for it myself.
After that I felt comfortable continuing with exercise on my own.

Can't answer (4) and (5). I was on coumadin for three months after surgery, am back on it again for atrial flutter, but I never did home testing.

 

[Paul_N]

Joel,

Another thought on your questions:

1. In the hospital, I spent a lot of time taking cat naps and staring at the TV. I think w/ the amount of drugs I was on, I don't remember a lot. When I went home 5 days after surgery, spent a lot of time doing the samefor the first week or two.

2. Spent the first 2 weeks in a recliner. Couldn't get myself in or out of bed very easily. Was I started weaning off some of the med's, was able to build a decent angle in bed with a lot of pillows. That's when the good rest or sleep came.

3. Can't comment of disection, but I had a Ross. Rehab isn't required, but if you have the option, go with it. The absolute best part of recovery. Once I was able to actually start doing something, my attitude changed and I believed I would get back to normal.

4. Can't comment on thinners. I'm not on any.

5. Don't know. Again, went w/ a Ross. All said and done, my 6 day stay, went in a day early for an angiogram (sp), was a little over $300K.

Good luck,

Paul

 

[Sherry]

Hi, Joel, and welcome to our wonderful site. My memory is fading a bit from my surgery eight years ago , but I do remember a few things. I too had to sleep in a recliner for several weeks. I was never comfortable on my back but some fluid accumulation that I had post-op really exaggerated that discomfort.
A few others have mentioned this, and I will concur, it was hard to concentrate enough for me to read a book, but I did watch a lot of really bad tv in the hospital. A portable DVD player would be helpful. When I came home though, I got totally hooked on Dallas, of all things. TNT was running three episodes per day
Regarding cardiac rehab, I would recommend it if all possible. I didn't have it because it wasn't prescribed, but in looking back, I think I could have pushed the issue a bit and gotten it.
Finally, "Yes" on the home monitoring. I don't do it yet but am in the discussing stages with my lab. (I live in a metropolitan area and have easy access to various labs.)
Oh, and lastly, I don't know how much the valve itself cost, but my total bill was over a hundred thousand dollars. As an interesting aside, my husband had a bone marrow transplant ten years ago, and when I looked at his itemized bill, the actual bag of transplanted cells (the transplant itself) only cost 20.00 -- I'm not kidding. Best of luck to you and keep us informed as to your progress.

 

[coryp]

1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

If you have no complications, you will at least be able to watch TV and listen to CDs. Things that require concentration are okay for some, impossible for others (frequently depends on what pain medication you are on). I opted for Fentanyl, instead of morphine, and it didn't seem to interfere with my meager powers of concentration.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

Some people seem to need the recliner or prefer the recliner. I slept in my bed from the first night, with no trouble, no extra pain. I rested in the recliner during the day, though, and believe it was better than the couch would have been.

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

It is for any heart patient, if they decide they want it or need it (i.e., it's voluntary). Some do, some don't. Some people find it reassuring, and some people find it helps to have someone else guide them. It can also help if you have a cardiac abnormality that will continue after surgery. I'm a recalcitrant individual and a simple case, so I took care of it myself. In general cases, it's not rocket science.

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

Dunno. I have a tissue valve. But I certainly understand why you would want to start soon.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

Generally, the total bill (in the U.S.) runs from $40,000 to over $100,000 for everything, including the valve and the surgery (average seems to be in the mid-$80,000s). In the UK, it can run $35,000 USD and up. You can fly to India and have it done (statistically as safely) for $10,000 USD or so, including airfare. I don't know what an individual valve itself costs these days. If you find out, please share...

Best wishes,

I agree with Bob's answers on the abovr but would like to add the cost of the valve itself( I have a friend working for St Judes). A high end St Jude mechanical with all the bells and whistles is sold to the hospital for aro 7.5-10k (depending on the hospital size) and they may bill your insurance co 16-21k for it.

 

[Joel]

Thanks.

Thanks.

Thanks everyone for your responses. Very informative. I think the heart valve will be covered, I think the Insurance Companies definition of a "Prosthetic" device, is different than what I think it is. But that is yet to be determined.

I think I used the word "Dissection" incorrectly. My ascending aorta will be replaced, but the Aortic Root will be left alone. The dilation barely goes into the aortic arch. I hope the aortic arch will be left alone. Based on pre-op tests, the surgeon doesn't think he will need to touch it, but that may be different once he is in there.

Has anyone here had the procedure called a deep "hypothermic cardiac arrest?" I was told it would be unlikely, but there is a risk of brain damage.

My surgeon will be Dr. Sanders at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

I may bring my laptop loaded with tv shows/movies to watch and plan to try to sleep at home in the recliner.

Thanks again everyone.

Joel

 

[Barry]

I took a small AM/FM radio & headphones with me, and a couple of good books, to deal with boredom in the hospital. Strongly recommend it.

 

[coryp]

Thanks everyone for your responses. Very informative. I think the heart valve will be covered, I think the Insurance Companies definition of a "Prosthetic" device, is different than what I think it is. But that is yet to be determined.

I think I used the word "Dissection" incorrectly. My ascending aorta will be replaced, but the Aortic Root will be left alone. The dilation barely goes into the aortic arch. I hope the aortic arch will be left alone. Based on pre-op tests, the surgeon doesn't think he will need to touch it, but that may be different once he is in there.

Has anyone here had the procedure called a deep "hypothermic cardiac arrest?" I was told it would be unlikely, but there is a risk of brain damage.

My surgeon will be Dr. Sanders at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

I may bring my laptop loaded with tv shows/movies to watch and plan to try to sleep at home in the recliner.

Thanks again everyone.

Joel

JOel,

I have just gone through the deep hyporthermic procedure among other things (removal of entire ascending Aorta, root remodel and AVR (Bovine edwards magna 3000fx 27mm)).

I was in on the 7th of June and out on the 10th. I am 9 days post op and would be happy to provide any needed detail since it is so fresh in my mind.

BAsed on your posts I would have some questions for the surgeon as well. If you would like to discuss further please send me a post here or a private note with how you want to communicate and we can set it up asap.

thx

 

[Mary]

Hey Cory!
We got the same valve!

 

[Johnny Stephens]

1. For people who have been through this procedure... While recovering, did you have time to read/watch TV or Movies? Or was your time consumed by more basic things like breathing and sitting up or walking. I am trying to figure out what to take to the Hospital to pass the time.

Napping, sleeping, watching TV, napping. I found at first I couldn't concentrate on a movie and would usually fall asleep. I bought a couple of books beforehand, but never cracked them.

2. Sleeping at home, I've heard Bed and/or recliner I have both options where did you guys sleep?

I was much sicker than you will likely be, I couldn't climb the stairs to my bedroom. I lived in the recliner for about a week after I got home, until a physical therapist got me strong enough to go upstairs. That first "lie-down" on my own bed was a high point in my life.

3. With Valve replacement and Aortic dissection, do I need to go through cardiac rehabilitation. (Outpatient physical therapy) or is that only for people with Heart Attacks?

I would highly recommend this if you can swing it with your insurance. I wish I had done it.

4. How soon should I consider self monitoring for Warfarin? I'd like to start immediately. I live in a somewhat rural area and there are no known close clinics.

Get stable first - this may take a few weeks. As your body heals, and your appetite returns, your dosage may be a moving target.

5. This one may seem strange, but what does a St. Jude Mechanical Valve cost these days? My insurance (United Health Care) has a $2500 limit on prosthetics. I don't know if Heart valves are considered prosthetics or not, but I am curious if that will cover it.

I have 2 mechanicals - the "parts" charge of my overall bill was something like $14,000 for the aortic and $17,000 for the mitral. The overall end-to-end bill for my surgery was $160K+.

Good luck with your surgery

 

[M&M]

Hi Joel, I remember it was Dr. Sanders who had 'rounds' the week I was there. He was so sweet and very smart. He came in everyday and went over my case. Brought in alot of cute doctors with him too !!

I had surgery on Tuesday and he came in my room on Saturday morning and said: What are you still doing here Marilyn? I said: Good question - I don't know - how come ???

They wanted to see my INR at least a 2.0. But, I was gone Sunday - the next day. I think they set my IV on FAST MODE and pumped that med and I was GONE.. on Sunday. He's a sharp guy..

Good Luck Joel - I'm sure you'll do great - your in good hands....
Marilyn (runner)

 

[BillCobit]

Has anyone here had the procedure called a deep "hypothermic cardiac arrest?" I was told it would be unlikely, but there is a risk of brain damage.
Joel

Hi Joel - yup, I've had it (presume many of us have), AKA cold blood cardioplegia. It's how they get your heart to hold still during the operation.

"Cardioplegia: Paralysis of the heart, as may be done electively in stopping the heart during cardiac surgery. Cardioplegia may be done using chemicals, cold (cryocardioplegia) or electrical stimulation."

OHS carries some risk of brain damage from ischemia or stroke regardless of methods used during surgery...comes w/ the territory, unfortunately. If your concern is whether or not hypotherm CA presents UNDUE risk, I'd say the answer is no. It's a commonly used and accepted technique.

Good luck!