Open-Heart Surgery: Risks, Procedure, and Preparation

What is Open Heart Surgery?

Any surgery performed on the muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart by opening the chest is known as Open Heart Surgery, also referred to as traditional heart surgery. This procedure is used to correct issues with the heart’s arteries, veins, or valves. One of the most common reasons for performing open heart surgery is the hardening of arteries, where fatty deposits create plaque in the valves.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is one of the most common heart surgeries performed. In this procedure, a healthy artery or vein is grafted to bypass a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, thereby restoring normal blood flow to the heart. This surgery can be performed on both adults and children, often due to congenital heart disease in the latter.

Open heart surgery is typically performed as an inpatient procedure, requiring comprehensive planning by our top heart doctors. However, in certain cases, emergency surgery may be necessary if the situation demands immediate intervention.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

Finding a reputable heart hospital and a highly qualified doctor with extensive experience is crucial for a successful operation. The more experienced the doctor, the higher the success rate of the surgery. Before preparing for the procedure, it is important to be honest with your heart surgeon about any existing heart conditions and previously prescribed medications. Inform your surgeon if you are taking any medications for ailments such as flu, herpes, fever, or any other conditions.

• Sleep Pattern

  Your doctor may recommend adjustments to your diet and sleep patterns. For a smoother procedure, it is advisable to maintain a healthy diet, get proper rest, and engage in adequate exercise.

• Avoid Alcohol

  You must also quit smoking and eliminate alcohol consumption 2-3 weeks before the surgery to minimise the risk of tremors during and after the surgery.

• Eating Habit

  You won’t be allowed to eat or drink the night before the surgery to ensure that food does not interfere with the anesthesia.

• Quit Supplements

  If you are taking herbal supplements such as blood thinner, you’ll be asked to stop taking those. This is to prevent any additional loss of blood.

• Tests & Imaging

  The doctors may require you to undergo several tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies, to ensure you are fit for the surgery.

Additionally, the surgical team may administer antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection.

• If you feel anxious, you can also talk to your anesthesiologist. They might help you with something to relax.
• If you feel uneasy or sick, the procedure can always be rescheduled.

If you feel uneasy or unwell, the procedure can always be rescheduled. It’s important to arrange for someone to take you home after the heart surgery. Additionally, ensure you visit your doctor a day or two before the surgery for further consultation and to discuss the procedure in detail.

Remember to discuss the risks and complications involved. Some of the risks the doctors might point out are:

• Blood clots which might cause a heart attack
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pneumonia
• Breathing difficulty
• Pneumonia
• Fuzziness or Memory Loss
• Chest Pain
• Kidney or Lung Failure

However, with the advancement of technologies & state-of-the-art infrastructure, the chances of infections or any risks have been minimised.

Benefits

The following are the benefits of open heart surgery procedure:

• In an open heart surgery procedure, a new heart donated by a donor can be replaced with a defective one.
• Medical devices can be implanted easily for a rhythmic heartbeat.
• This procedure also helps in repairing or replacing defective valves.
• It also helps in repairing defects and anomalies within the heart.
• A lower risk of heart attacks in future.
• A pain-free life for up to 15 years.
• Longer survival rates

Eligibility

If you are experiencing any of the enlisted heart issues, you might be eligible for open heart surgery:

• Heart valve disease
• Heart attack
• Arrhythmias (including Atrial Fibrillation)
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
• Coronary Artery Disease
• Congenital heart defects like Atrial Septal Disease (hole in the heart) and Hypoplastic Left heart syndrome (underdeveloped heart structures)
• Rheumatic Heart Disease
• Abnormal Heart Murmurs

Who is not eligible?

You may not be a suitable candidate for open heart surgery if you have the following conditions:

• Extreme Physical Disability
• Serious disease in other organs such as the Kidneys or Lungs.
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome
• Dementia
• Motor Neuron Disease
• Advanced Heart Disease

It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by expert heart doctors post-surgery for optimal recovery. With many advancements in medical science, surgeries have become much easier and more efficient than before.