Reliant Home Health Care LLC's Cardiothoracic Surgery Recovery Specialty Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based home health program designed to support patients through a safe and successful recovery following cardiac and thoracic surgery.

The program is led by Reliant's nurse practitioner owners, who each have more than 20 years of experience caring for patients undergoing cardiac surgery and managing complex cardiothoracic conditions. Their extensive clinical backgrounds in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery have guided the development of a specialized home health program focused on improving patient outcomes, reducing complications, and ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home.

Reliant Home Health Care LLC has developed an extensive cardiothoracic surgery education and competency training program for all clinical staff. Every member of the cardiothoracic specialty team has significant experience caring for patients recovering from open heart surgery as well as thoracic surgical procedures, including surgeries involving the lungs and esophagus. Staff members are specially trained to recognize the unique clinical needs associated with postoperative cardiothoracic recovery and to provide timely interventions that promote healing and prevent complications.

The program emphasizes:

• Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT)

• Comprehensive medication education and adherence

• Early recognition and management of postoperative complications

• Cardiovascular risk factor reduction and lifestyle modification

• Pulmonary recovery, including breathing exercises and respiratory optimization following thoracic surgery

• Patient and caregiver education

• Progressive recovery through individualized rehabilitation

• Coordination of care with the patient's cardiothoracic surgeon, cardiologist, pulmonologist (when appropriate), and primary care provider

• Preparation for successful transition to Phase II outpatient cardiac rehabilitation following cardiac surgery

Reliant's specialty recovery program was developed using current clinical practice guidelines from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The program has also been developed in partnership with local cardiothoracic surgeons to ensure that care aligns with regional surgical practices and the expectations of each patient's surgical team. Every plan of care is individualized according to the patient's specific surgical procedure, medical history, risk factors, recovery goals, and identified clinical needs.

The program provides specialized care for patients recovering from:

• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery

• Heart valve repair and replacement

• Aortic surgery

• Other open heart and cardiac surgical procedures

• Lung resections, including lobectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection

• Esophageal surgery

• Other thoracic surgical procedures involving the lungs, mediastinum, and chest wall

Patients enrolled in the program receive coordinated, interdisciplinary care that includes skilled nursing and physical therapy as the foundation of treatment. Based on each patient's individual needs, additional services may include occupational therapy, medical social work, and home health aide support. This team-based approach addresses medication management, cardiopulmonary monitoring, wound care, pain management, respiratory recovery, functional mobility, nutrition, psychosocial support, and caregiver education.

The primary goal of Reliant Home Health Care LLC's Cardiothoracic Surgery Recovery Specialty Program is to promote an uncomplicated recovery, reduce preventable hospital readmissions, optimize cardiopulmonary health, and provide seamless coordination of care from hospital discharge through recovery. By combining specialized clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and close collaboration with local cardiothoracic surgeons, Reliant delivers the highest level of home-based postoperative care during one of the most critical phases of healing.