Heart surgery is performed on people with heart conditions. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and heart valve repair or replacement are the most common types of heart surgeries. Such surgeries are carried out during times of emergencies like heart attack, or are recommended by doctors in the event of any malfunction.
Cardiac or cardiovascular surgery involves your heart or the blood vessels connected to it. Surgeries can be conducted to rectify issues you were born with (congenital heart disease), as well as issues that develop later in life. The type of heart surgery depends on the underlying problem or combination of problems.
Heart surgery is prescribed by doctors to treat the following problems –
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a procedure done by cardiothoracic surgeons to restore blood flow to the heart. It can be done to treat a number of conditions, including peripheral vascular disease, angina pectoris, and certain forms of heart failure. The procedure involves removing one large vein from a leg and then connecting it to an artery in order to restore blood flow through the blocked arteries.
A transmyocardial laser revascularization is a form of heart surgery that uses laser technology to create a channel through the heart muscle, as well as on the left side of the heart's chamber (ventricle). The surgeon performs this type of surgery with the assistance of a heart-lung machine, which is not used when performing transmyocardial resection because it does not operate during times when blood is present in the body.
The heart has two sets of valves that help blood flow in one direction. If the heart's valves become damaged, they might stop working altogether or begin to leak blood backwards. This can cause a heart attack or other serious problems. In some cases, doctors may recommend replacing your valves with mechanical devices called "valve replacement." These devices are made from metal, plastic or porcine tissue and are usually permanent once implanted.
Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular. Treatment typically involves placing a pacemaker under the collarbone or in the abdomen, which controls the irregular heartbeat. The procedure for implanting a pacemaker involves making a small incision in the patient's chest or abdomen during general anaesthesia.
Aneurysm surgery is performed to repair an artery that has ruptured or otherwise become weakened. In this procedure, a large incision is made in the abdomen so that the aorta can be seen. A surgeon then uses a length of tubing called a graft to patch together the weakened part of the artery with healthy tissue from elsewhere in the body.
A heart transplant is an operation that replaces a patient's diseased heart with a healthy one. The procedure can be performed on patients in the early stages of heart failure or coronary artery disease so that they can live longer, healthier lives. In order for such a procedure to be successful, the patient's body must be prepared for the surgery by using medications and life-support measures.
If a patient does not have enough time left to live with their diseased heart functioning properly before undergoing a transplant, then the risk of developing serious complications resulting from rejection of their organs by the patient's immune system is much higher if they undergo a heart transplant without any intervention from medical professionals beforehand.
Arrhythmia is a condition which causes your heart to beat irregularly. It can be treated by medication. However, if that does not work, surgeons might choose to implant a pacemaker under the skin of your chest or abdomen. It is a machine that includes wires, connecting to the heart chambers. It uses electrical pulses to control the heart rhythm. Once it detects acute arrhythmia, it sends electrical control to your heart’s rhythm.
In this surgery, the surgeon tries to create a pattern of scar tissue within the upper chambers of your heart. This helps them to send electrical signals to your lower heart chamber along a controlled path. This is mainly used in case of atrial fibrillation, which is caused by stray electrical signals. The surgery helps to block these signals.
A ventricular assist device (VAD) or total artificial heart (TAH) can be inserted in your heart for improving heart health. It is used when your heart fails to perform effectively. VAD is a mechanical pump, which assists the heart with blood flow and other functions. A TAH, on the other hand, replaces two lower chambers of the heart when they fail to perform.
As the heart is a vital organ, its surgery is likely to be complicated. Therefore, you should be prepared for an open heart surgery, following the recommendations of your doctor or surgeon. These recommendations are likely to be in the following areas.
Medication: You need to stop taking certain medicines from a week or two before the surgery. In Particular, you should avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinning medicines. These come with bleeding risks.
Food and drinks: The surgeon is likely to ask you to eat or drink right before the surgery. Fasting will be safer before a serious surgery. Anaesthesia is also safer in an empty stomach.
Alcohol and tobacco: You might have to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol right before the surgery. These can increase complications during the surgery, and slow down post surgical healing.
Even though heart surgery can have excellent outcomes, it is still an invasive procedure with a number of risks. The risks may include:
People who have undergone heart surgery tend to be at greater risk if the surgery is performed on them in an emergency or during another medical condition, including:
Preparation for your surgery can take weeks or months. Before your heart surgery is scheduled, your medical care team will evaluate your condition. Your care team will likely include your primary care doctor and cardiologist. You’ll also consult with a cardiothoracic surgeon (a cardiac surgeon who operates on organs and tissues in the chest). Your care team will give you a medical evaluation. This includes:
The day before surgery, if you’re admitted to the hospital, you might experience some discomfort due to the procedure. Your care team will spend time getting you settled and talking with you about what to expect during the procedure. Further tests will be conducted to check that your body is ready for surgery.
Various methods are used by surgeons to operate on the heart. Further, the care team will provide input on the method that is recommended by the surgeon. The methods used by surgeons to operate are as follows –
After your heart surgery, you'll be moved to the intensive care unit (ICU). You'll recover in the ICU for at least one day and then be moved to a general care room for further rest and care. Your recovery time depends on how long you were in the operating room and how well your body responded to the surgery. Each person has a different recovery period, but you should feel better every day as long as you are eating well and getting enough rest. Your hospital team will watch over you closely and make sure that you are healing as expected.
Recovery takes time and depends on the type of surgery and overall health. Some people require at least six to 12 weeks or even more than that. Follow the care team’s guidelines on when you can go back to work, lift heavy objects, drive, or perform other activities. Further, it is advisable to slow down and provide time for the body to heal.
A heart attack can come without a notice. Therefore, it is essential to notice the symptom and take precautions. you must call the doctor if you experience the following issues.
If you have reservations regarding a complicated heart surgery, you can now find its alternatives, thanks to medical science. However, it depends on your medical condition. The following methods are often used as substitutes for open-heart surgeries.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): The surgeon inserts a tiny video camera called thoracoscope and other surgical instruments in small chest incisions. It can be used to place a pacemaker, cure arrhythmia and repair heart valves.
Catheter-based method: This method uses a catheter, which is a thin and hollow tube. After placing the catheter, the surgeon inserts surgical instruments, balloons, or stents through the catheter while performing a procedure.
Robotically-assisted method: This is a minimally invasive approach, and a replacement for a large surgery. People suffering from conditions like cardiac tumours, valvular heart disease, atrial fibrillation and septal defects can choose this method.
Following heart surgery, people can live for many years or decades. Many factors affect how long a person lives after he has been treated for heart disease, including his overall health and risk factors. Heart surgery can make you healthier and stronger. But it’s important to keep doing whatever you can to lower your risks for future problems.
|
Type of Heart Surgery |
Cost of Surgery in India (May vary across cities) |
|
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) |
Approximately ₹ 95,000 to ₹ 4,50,000 |
|
Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization (TMR) |
Approximately ₹ 1,14,000 to ₹ 2,61,250 |
|
Heart Valve Repair or Replacement |
Approximately ₹ 70,000 to ₹ 8,50,000 |
|
Arrhythmia Treatment |
Approximately ₹ 2,25,000 to ₹ 3,00,000 |
|
Aneurysm Repair |
Approximately ₹ 6,71,100 to ₹ 8,68,500 |
|
Heart Transplant |
Approximately ₹ 22,89,700 to ₹ 35,52,900 |
|
Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator |
Approximately ₹ 40,000 to ₹ 50,000 |
|
Maze surgery |
Approximately ₹ 2,40,000 to ₹ 4,00,000 |
|
VAD and TAH Implants |
Approximately ₹ 30,00,000 to ₹ 50,00,000 |
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