This information is intended for general information only and should not be considered as medical advice on the part of Health-Tourism.com. Any decision on medical treatments, after-care or recovery should be done solely upon proper consultation and advice of a qualified physician.
What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open heart surgery is a procedure that involves opening the walls of the chest, and performing surgery on the heart muscles, arteries or other related structures.
What are the different types of Open Heart Surgery treatment?
The most popular type of heart surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting or CABG as it is commonly known. During a CABG procedure, surgeons use healthy veins obtained from another part of the body to, go around blocked arteries.
Other types of open-heart surgery usually performed by specialists include:
repair of the heart valves that control blood flow through the heart's chambers and heart transplant.
Duration of procedure/surgery:Generally between 3 to 5 hours.
Days admitted:Naturally, your stay in hospital will vary, depending on the post-operative condition of your heart. However, in normal cases, a hospital stay of up to 4 days or longer can be expected.
Anesthesia:General anesthesia
Recovery:A period of 6 to 12 weeks is need for recovery.
Whilst you're in hospital, doctors and nurses will keep a close check on your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and also the incision area for any abnormal signs.
Risks:Heart surgery is not without its risks, and these can include the following:
- Infection, fever, and even swelling
- Bleeding.
- Irregular heartbeats
- Difficulties focusing or thinking clearly.
- A reaction to the medication used to put you to sleep
whilst the procedure is being performed
- Damage to tissues in the heart, kidneys, and lungs.
Death.
Generally, the risks of an open heart procedure increases for people who:
- Are older over 70
- Have had multiple heart surgeries
- Suffer from conditions such as high pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and lung disease.
After care:After your surgery, aftercare may include regular checkups with your doctor.
You may need to make diet and lifestyle changes and take various medicines to assist you to remain healthy.
You doctor may recommend that you join a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cardiac rehabilitation normally includes counseling, education, and exercise training to help you recover.
Learn more about Open Heart Surgery