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Often known as Cardiac Surgery, Open Heart Surgery is a complex surgical procedure performed on the heart or its major blood arteries. Numerous cardiovascular conditions, such as aortic aneurysms, coronary artery disease, issues with the heart valves, and congenital heart abnormalities, are commonly treated with it.
During Open Heart Surgery in Bhubaneswar, the patient's chest is opened to reveal the heart, allowing the medical professionals to perform intricate procedures. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Valve Replacement or Repair, Atrial Septal Defect Closure, and Aortic Root Surgery are common Open Heart Procedures.
Typically, a heart-lung bypass machine is used during the treatment to temporarily take over the heart and lung functions, enabling surgeons to work on a heart that is both immobile and bloodless. The patient is gradually weaned off the bypass machine, and the chest is closed after the treatment.
A highly skilled surgical team consisting of cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nurses must work together to ensure the safety and success of Open Heart Surgery. Despite its challenges, Open Heart Surgery has improved the quality of life and extended the life expectancy of many patients with serious cardiac conditions.
Treating different cardiovascular problems that are not properly controlled with nonsurgical therapies is the main goal of Open Heart Surgery. Through a surgical incision in the chest, the heart and its surrounding structures are accessed, enabling cardiothoracic surgeons to perform various intricate procedures. These are done to restore normal cardiac function and improve blood flow to the heart muscle, as well as repair or replace damaged heart valves, correct congenital heart defects, and bypass blocked coronary arteries.
Common cardiovascular conditions treated with Open Heart Surgery include:
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Valvular heart disease (e.g., aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation)
Congenital heart defects (present at birth)
Aneurysms of the aorta
Heart failure (in select cases)
Cardiac tumours
Complex arrhythmias (in some cases)
Aortic dissection
Endocarditis (in severe cases)
During Open Heart Surgery, the patient's chest is accessed via either a Median Sternotomy or a Thoracotomy. A Median Sternotomy involves a longitudinal division of the breastbone (sternum), providing direct access to the heart. This approach offers excellent visibility and is commonly employed for various cardiac procedures. Conversely, a Thoracotomy involves an incision between the ribs on the chest's side, utilised for specific cardiac surgeries, particularly when accessing lateral or posterior heart structures. Both approaches enable safe access to the heart while minimising surrounding tissue trauma, facilitating complex cardiac interventions.
In Open Heart Surgery, the cardiopulmonary bypass machine, often known as the heart-lung bypass machine, is an essential tool. As the patient's heart is stopped for surgery, it momentarily assumes the role of the heart and lungs, preserving blood flow and oxygenation. The device makes it possible to bypass the heart and lungs by pumping and oxygenating blood, which makes complex surgeries like Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and Valve Replacement possible. This guarantees that blood enriched with oxygen reaches the necessary organs throughout the procedure. The bypass machine is progressively withdrawn when surgical repairs are finished, allowing the heart to start pumping again. Open Heart Surgery has been transformed by this gadget, which makes complicated surgeries possible and enhances patient outcomes.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), Valve Replacement or Repair, Aneurysm Repair, Septal Defect Repair, and Heart Transplantation are the primary Open Heart Surgery procedures. Valve Surgery replaces or repairs damaged heart valves, whereas CABG bypasses clogged coronary arteries. Repairing an aneurysm stops weak blood veins from rupturing while fixing a septal defect seals defects in the heart's chambers. By replacing an unhealthy heart with a healthy one, Heart Transplants treat a variety of cardiovascular issues and enhance general cardiac health.
Recovery after Open Heart Surgery involves a multifaceted approach encompassing postoperative monitoring, pain management, respiratory care, fluid and electrolyte balance, mobility and rehabilitation, nutritional support, psychological support, medication management, and follow-up care. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, healthcare providers promote patient comfort, prevent complications, and optimise long-term outcomes, ensuring a successful recovery and improved quality of life.
Potential risks and complications associated with Open Heart Surgery include bleeding, infection, stroke, arrhythmias, pneumonia, kidney problems, pulmonary complications, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), cardiac tamponade, pericardial effusion, wound complications, neurological complications, and even death. Patients undergoing Open Heart Surgery should be informed about these risks and receive appropriate preoperative counselling and postoperative monitoring to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Recent technological advancements have significantly transformed Open Heart Surgery. Minimally invasive techniques, including Robotic-assisted surgery, enable smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and faster recovery. Advanced imaging modalities, such as 3D echocardiography and CT scans, enhance preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance, improving surgical precision. Off-pump surgery techniques eliminate the need for cardiopulmonary bypass, reducing associated risks. Patients with end-stage heart failure can receive mechanical help from artificial hearts, such as ventricular assist devices and artificial hearts. Transcatheter interventions offer less invasive alternatives for treating valvular heart disease. Biocompatible materials enhance durability and reduce thrombosis risk in prosthetic heart valves and implants. Remote monitoring systems enable healthcare providers to track patients' cardiac function remotely, facilitating early intervention. These innovations contribute to safer, more effective, and less invasive Open Heart Surgery options.
Following Open Heart Surgery, patients often have improved cardiac function, fewer cardiovascular events, more exercise tolerance, longer survival times, a higher quality of life, and efficient drug administration. To maximise results and preserve heart health, routine follow-up visits with experts and lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and frequent exercise, are crucial. Following medical advice guarantees long-term health and advantages that last.
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