WHAT IS OPEN HEART SURGERY?
Open heart surgery refers to any surgical procedure where the chest is opened. It may involve a large incision or a smaller cut. Open heart surgery gives the doctor access to the patient's heart, arteries, heart muscle, and surrounding chest area. It is generally chosen as a last measure when other alternatives have failed. Some procedures may be done while the heart is still beating.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN OPEN-HEART SURGERY PROCEDURE?
The exact actions taken during an open-heart surgery procedure will depend on the reason for the procedure. For instance, during a coronary bypass, the surgeon creates a graft that reroutes the flow of blood around a blocked section of the coronary artery. Open heart surgery may also be done to repair heart valves or perform heart transplants. Generally, open-heart surgery procedures are done with an anaesthetic. Most procedures involve the use of a heart-lung machine. However, surgeons may also perform endoscopic or robot-assisted procedures.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF OPEN HEART SURGERY?
Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks attached to performing open-heart surgery.
Patients who undergo surgery where they are connected to a heart-lung machine may experience complications such as kidney damage, fluid retention, and blood loss. Other risks include infection, stroke, and the formation of blood clots. Although this is very rare, surgeons may accidentally damage the surrounding tissue during the procedure. Individuals who are overweight or those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease have a higher risk of developing complications.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM AN OPEN-HEART SURGERY PROCEDURE?
Recovery times after an open-heart procedure varies depending on the kind of procedure and your general health. Patients who have just had a heart transplant may take longer to recover than another who has just had bypass surgery. Younger patients also recover more quickly compared to elderly patients. The recovery time can however be shortened by following the surgeon’s instructions and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO OPEN HEART SURGERY?
Generally, doctors only recommend open heart surgery for severe cases. However, before reaching this decision, they first exhaust all the other possible alternatives. For instance, before surgeons proceed with a bypass, they will first consider alternatives such as changing a patient's diet or minimally invasive surgery. Doctors use different tests to decide on the best cause of action. Still, there are procedures that do not have any alternatives such as when a patient is recommended for a heart transplant.
Open heart procedures are complicated, but the outlook is very good. The length of time needed for recovery will depend on the condition that was treated. Most patients are able to come to the hospital on the day of their procedure and leave within a week. A healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in assisting with recovery.
WHY KIMS?
KIMS, one of the best open heart surgery hospitals in Hyderabad, has experienced, highly skilled best cardiologist doctors in Hyderabad who have performed thousands of open heart procedures.
Our best heart surgery hospitals in Hyderabad has the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad to provide you individualized heart care. Our surgeons offer patients state-of- the art technology for effective patient care.