Driving and Travelling by Plane After Surgery

One of the most practical questions our patients ask about daily life after heart surgery is when they can go back to driving and travelling. In this article I will explain our recommendations on this subject.

Do Not Get Behind the Wheel Before the Breastbone Has Healed

After classic open surgery, healing of the breastbone takes 6-8 weeks; during this period sudden braking or a steering manoeuvre may harm the bone that is still healing. For this reason we generally recommend that you start driving after 4-6 weeks, once you have been given approval at your follow-up examination; after small-incision (minimally invasive) operations this period can be markedly shorter.

Clot Risk and Precautions During Air Travel

Long flights can increase the risk of clot formation in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) because of immobility; this risk is somewhat higher in the period after surgery. The general recommendation is to wait at least 2-4 weeks before long-haul flights after open heart surgery, to stand up and walk at regular intervals during the flight and to drink plenty of water; the exact timing is determined according to the type of your operation and your recovery process.

Metal Detectors and Pacemakers

Our patients with a pacemaker or defibrillator can pass safely through airport metal detectors; however, we recommend that they do not stand next to the detector for a long time and, if possible, inform the security officer about their device. Modern pacemakers are designed not to be affected by brief passages through a metal detector.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many weeks after surgery can I drive? After classic open surgery we usually recommend starting after 4-6 weeks, and after small-incision operations after a shorter period, once you have received approval at your follow-up examination.

When is air travel safe after surgery? The general recommendation is at least 2-4 weeks; if you have had a complicated operation this period may be longer.

I have a pacemaker; can I go through security screening? Yes, you can pass safely; we recommend that you do not wait next to the metal detector for a long time.

Conclusion

Returning to driving and travelling is a decision that is personalised according to the type of operation and the speed of your recovery. We can clarify this together at your follow-up examination.

You can make an appointment to discuss the appropriate timing after surgery for your travel plans.

References

1. Engelman DT, Ben Ali W, Williams JB, et al. Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society Recommendations. JAMA Surg. 2019;154(8):755-766.