Open-Heart Surgery - Why is it used?

 What is open-heart surgery?

Open heart surgery is a common and simple yet highly complex surgical procedure that takes place on the heart and it has little to no chance of death involved. In this article, you will be able to read about all things related to heart surgery written in a very simple manner so that anyone can understand it.

Why is open-heart surgery needed?

We perform open-heart surgery to fix a heart problem. The main reason that people get their hearts fixed is that they have hardened arteries and veins, blockages in the arteries, etc. Having blocked arteries is the most common heart problem: and it happens when fat builds up on the walls of coronary arteries.

We perform open-heart surgery to correct heart valves, damaged parts, or implant objects in the heart. Heart replacement surgeries are also done with the help of open-heart surgery. Sometimes open heart surgery is performed on patients who had an unsuccessful angioplasty.

Also Read: What is the Difference Between Open Heart Surgery and Bypass Surgery?

How does open-heart surgery perform?

Various factors need to be taken into consideration before any patient can be admitted for open-heart surgery. These are detailed on some form of the checklist which the hospital staff has to fill out first:

1.       Make sure you have to discuss well with the surgeon regarding the whole procedure.

2.       You have to avoid heavy meals before the surgery.

3.       Remember to carry all your prescriptions and personal belongings to the hospital.

4.       Make sure you have done all the required medical tests before.

The procedure of the surgery:

·         Initially, anaesthesia will be given to the patients so that they doze off.

·         The surgeon will then make an 8-10 Inch cut in the chest gently.

·         As the heart is visible, we will connect the patient to a heart-lung bypass machine to help move the blood away from the heart during the procedure.

·         A healthy vein, usually the saphenous vein from the leg, will be used to repair the broken one.

·         As the procedure is done, the surgeon will stitch the incisions.

Recovery after open-heart surgery:

As soon as the patient wakes up after surgery, breathing tubes are often used to help patients breathe better. Breathing tubes will be attached to the body and may cause some pain. Doctors (Cardiothoracic surgeon) are required to observe blood pressure and heart rates because many vital organs can shut down if they aren't working properly or if something goes wrong during surgery.

·         The incision site must be clean regularly and dried for better healing.

·         Doctors generally advise patients to avoid taking long baths as it may affect the incision site.

·         A 10- 15-minute bath is more than enough after the patient goes home. However, a sponge bath is preferred.

·         It is normal for patients to feel pain in the body after heart surgery. A considerable amount of pain will remain at the incision site. If the pain increases and you feel muscle tensions, you must contact the doctor.

·         Proper bed rest after the surgery is a must for the body to recover. The doctor prescribes s medicines that have to be taken timely.

·         A proper bed with a suitable low pillow must be used to reduce strain.

·         Light exercises as prescribed by the surgeon

Patients shouldn’t lift heavy objects after the surgery.
Location: Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Rd & 28th Main Rd, BTM 2nd Stage, Kuvempu Nagar, BTM 2nd Stage, BTM Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068, India

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