Knowing that you or someone close to you needs to undergo open heart surgery can be an upsetting and scary experience. Open heart surgery treats a range of heart problems, including heart failure, congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, aneurysms, and coronary artery disease.
During this procedure, the heart surgeon cuts through the breastbone and spreads the ribcage to access the heart. It is important to know that this type of surgery is relatively common and has a very high success rate. However, there are a lot of things one must know about open heart surgery before they plan to undergo the procedure.
In this comprehensive guide, we have gathered references from an expert heart surgeon, Dr. Sujay Shad, who is known for performing the best open heart surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. This article will delve into what open heart surgery is, why the surgery is needed, and how the procedure is performed.
Continue reading for detailed insights.
What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open heart surgery is a procedure where the surgeons are able to reach the heart. To reach the heart, the heart specialist cuts the sternum (breastbone) and spreads the ribs. Open-heart surgery, however, may now be carried out with just small incisions and no large openings because of the development of new, more effective, and safer techniques.
Why is Open Heart Surgery Needed?
Open heart surgeries are usually recommended due to the following reasons:
To perform heart operations such as coronary artery bypass grafting
To repair damaged heart areas
To repair or replace heart valves, which allow the blood to travel through the heart
To implant medical devices that help the heart beat properly
For replacing a heart that is damaged with a healthy one.
Dr. Sujay Shad, a prominent heart surgery doctor in India, performs open heart surgery at the famous Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
One can visit the hospital and consult Dr. Sujay Shad to learn more about the procedure.
What are the Common Types of Open Heart Surgeries?
Following are the different types of open heart surgeries:
1. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This is the most common type of heart surgery. A heart surgeon performs this surgery using a functioning vein or artery from another part of the body by connecting it away from the blocked artery. The new artery therefore creates a functional path for blood to flow into the heart muscle. A CABG may also be referred to as a heart bypass or coronary bypass surgery.
2. Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: The surgeon may replace the natural valve in order to treat or replace damaged heart valves. This can be done by using an artificial valve. The surgeon inserts a catheter into the blood vessels and then inflates and deflates a balloon to widen the valve.
3. Aneurysm Repair: Aneurysms are generated in the artery walls, causing them to bulge. This bulge occurs if the wall of the artery weakens. The pressure created by blood flowing through the artery or heart causes the weekend area to bulge. With time, an aneurysm ruptures, causing fatal bleeding inside the body. This may split into one or more layers of the artery wall, which causes excessive bleeding. In order to treat an aneurysm, the damaged area of the artery or heart wall must be replaced with a patch or graft.
4. Heart Transplant: If the heart is diseased, it is either replaced or removed with a healthy one.
5. Ventricular assist device (VAD) or total artificial heart (TAH): A VAD is a pump that helps the heart pump and blood flow. A TAH works the same way; however, it focuses on supporting the lower areas of the heart.
How is Open Heart Surgery Performed?
An open heart procedure may take three to six hours and usually follows the steps as below:
The heart surgeon makes an incision of 8–10 inches in the chest. They administer general anesthesia to the patient to ensure they do not feel pain throughout the surgery.
The incision is made on either the whole breastbone or just a part of it to access the heart.
A hung-lung machine gets connected to the patient once the heart is accessible. This machine helps to move away blood from the heart, which is essential for open heart surgery.
To create a new passage around the blocked arteries, the surgeon uses a healthy vein or an artery in that place.
Once done, the surgeon closes the breastbone and leaves the stitch wire inside the body. Afterwards, they stitch the original cut.
Note: One must know that for high-risk patients, sternal plating is done where the breastbone is closed with titanium plates after an open heart surgery. Generally, patients who have had multiple surgeries or are of older age are counted under the high-risk patient category.
How Much Does It Take to Recover From an Open Heart Surgery?
After the surgery is complete, the chest is closed, and the patient is carefully monitored during the recovery process. Recovery times can vary depending on the type of surgery and individual factors, but patients typically spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) and then in a regular hospital room before being discharged. Rehabilitation and follow-up care are often necessary to help in the patient's recovery and long-term well-being.
What are the Instructions Given by the Surgeon for Open Heart Surgery?
A heart surgeon recommends several instructions that must be followed by the patient they undergo an open heart surgery. These include:
Eat light meals in the evening before the surgery.
Take all the medications as prescribed by the surgeon.
Patients who are taking blood-thinning medications must follow the surgeon's instructions.
Patients who are having diabetes must follow special instructions on insulin management.
During the night before the surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything.
Avoid smoking in the morning before the surgery.
Final Takeaway
Open heart surgery remains a vital tool in the treatment of various cardiac conditions, providing patients with a chance to live a healthier and longer life. While open heart surgery is a complex and challenging procedure, it has a high success rate if performed by an experienced heart specialist. If one is looking for a heart doctor who performs open heart surgery, one can schedule a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a prominent heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
The expert heart specialist is the senior heart specialist of the cardiac department of the hospital and has experience spanning more than 36 years. Some of the major heart procedures he has performed over the years include heart transplants, coronary bypasses, HOCM, aortic surgery, mitral valve repairs and replacements, and many more.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, a heart specialist, make a visit to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The hospital offers several amenities and uses the latest technologies. Patients worldwide travel to India to get world-class heart treatments at a competitive price.
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