Open-heart Surgery
What is Open-Heart Surgery?
Open-Heart Surgery is a type of cardiovascular procedure performed to replace, repair, and sometimes bypass damaged or malfunctioning parts of the heart. It is considered to be one of the most invasive and demanding surgeries, but advances in technology have made it possible for physicians to successfully complete even the most complex of heart surgeries.
Types of Open-Heart Surgeries
Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition and the type of procedure needed, surgeons may perform different types of open-heart surgeries. The most common types of open-heart surgeries include the following:
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
- Valve repair or replacement
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) repair
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair
- Aortic aneurysm repair
- Pacemaker implantation and replacement
Preparing for Open-Heart Surgery
Open-heart surgery requires a lot of heavy lifting and can be difficult and invasive. Therefore, it’s important that patients take the time to properly prepare for the procedure and understand what to expect. Before the surgery, doctors typically require patients to stop taking certain medications and follow pre-operative instructions. Additionally, patients may need to undergo exercise-based tests and other medical treatments to ensure their heart is strong enough to withstand the procedure.
Recovery from Open-Heart Surgery
Open-heart surgery can be a long and difficult process, and the recovery is often even more difficult. Immediately after surgery, patients will be monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) to ensure they are healing properly. During this time, a physician may suggest lifestyle changes to help promote optimal recovery. This may include changes in lifestyle habits such as drinking, smoking, and exercising. Over time, patients typically experience fewer symptoms and eventually return to a fully functional life.