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Open Heart Surgery, also sometimes called Traditional Heart Surgery, is a procedure that focuses on treating heart conditions by making an incision in the chest wall and performing certain interventions on heart muscles, valves, or arteries. Open Heart Surgery may be a recommended procedure when individuals face conditions such as various coronary heart diseases, atrial fibrillation, impaired heart valves, abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmia, and in cases where a Heart Transplantation is necessary. Nowadays, Open Heart Surgeries are usually replaced with Minimal Invasive techniques. Additionally, the procedure becomes a consideration for patients when conventional treatments like medications, lifestyle modifications, or less invasive surgical procedures do not work and when specialists determine it to be a viable option based on their overall health and strength.
At Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata, our cardiologists are adept at screening candidates and employing state-of-the-art facilities and technologies to cater to patients with complex conditions, focusing on minimal complications and optimal results. The Department of Cardiology at Manipal Hospitals always ensures providing comprehensive treatment and care, facilitating their journey towards recovery.
Consult our cardiologists if you need open heart surgery in Broadway.
This is a procedure that involves the opening of the chest cavity and creating a bypass system that allows blood to pump through your body without going through the heart
Several procedures are involved in Open Heart Surgery, of which the most common type is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG), where a bypass is created in a blocked artery to facilitate improved blood circulation to the heart. Some other types of Open-Heart procedures include:
Congenital Heart Surgery: treating birth defects of the heart
Valve Replacements: replacement of the heart valve with a mechanical valve, or made from pig, cow, or human heart
Transmyocardial Revascularisation (TMR): procedure used when conventional surgical procedures are exhausted, such as Angioplasty and Stenting or CABG.
Heart Transplantation: employed for individuals with advanced heart failure
Before the procedure, our specialist will discuss your symptoms and conduct necessary lab tests and imaging tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), chest- X-rays, or angiography, to assess your cardiac health and locate any blockage in blood vessels and other problems that require an Open Heart intervention. You will be provided with certain guidelines, including medications to avoid in preparation for your surgery. During Traditional Open-heart Surgery, anaesthesia is administered, and a surgical incision is made in the middle of the chest, typically measuring 6 to 8 inches, using a surgical blade to access the heart through the breastbone. Once the heart is visible, surgeons proceed with the necessary procedures, such as CABG, or Valve Replacement procedures, and ensure the blood flow is restored. After the surgery, incisions are closed using stitches. The duration of the surgery usually ranges from 3 to 6 hours, depending on its complexity.
The recovery period after surgery is based on the type of procedure, complexity, and an individual's pace of recovery. Since Open Heart Surgeries are deep invasive procedures, recovery may take between 6 and 12 weeks, or sometimes longer. You may be kept under observation at the intensive care unit (ICU) after the procedure for a week, although this can vary. Our specialists will prescribe medications, provide necessary post-care instructions, and recommend a cardiac rehabilitation programme to enhance your overall strength.
Since Open Heart Surgery is a deeply invasive procedure, you may have a high chance of experiencing post-operative pain and discomfort, especially in your chest and near your back and shoulders. The amount of pain medication prescribed varies based on your pain tolerance and response to the medication administered. Pain medications to manage your pain usually include opioids and analgesics such as acetaminophen. You may also be advised to apply a warm cloth to the area to minimise your pain, along with performing certain relaxation techniques.
We understand the emotional challenges you and your loved ones can face upon receiving the news that Open Heart Surgery is crucial to addressing your condition. You can prepare mentally and physically for the procedure by sharing any concerns or worries that you may have with your specialists. Our specialists will provide you with statistics and evidence, along with the necessary emotional support and strength to undergo the procedure. Moreover, educating yourself more about the procedure through various sources and seeking support from your loved ones can help you mitigate any anxiety and stress.
Potential risks or complications that can arise after an Open Heart Surgery may include the following:
Thrombosis or blood clots
Irregular cardiac rhythms
Irregular breathing and heart palpitation
Heavy bleeding
Tissue damage
Infection, swelling, or tenderness around the incision site
Fluid buildup in the lungs or pneumonia
Memory loss or confusion
Nerve damage
Adverse reactions due to anaesthesia administered
Stroke
Heart transplantation failure due to graft rejection
Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, are at increased risk. Moreover, chain smokers are at high risk of encountering operative and post-operative complications. Our specialists will provide guidelines on postoperative complications and the assurance of timely intervention.
Our specialists will inform you regarding an estimated period for you to return to normal activities, work, and exercise. Patients may regain their ability to drive after four weeks of surgery, although certain variables come into play with this timeline. Moreover, patients can perform desk jobs and other light work after 6 weeks. However, it would take around 3 months to regain strength to perform heavy-duty work. Your specialist may recommend you undergo a cardiac rehabilitation programme, where you will be given a customised exercise regimen to enhance your recovery and overall well-being.
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