Understanding Complications Related To Open Heart Surgery

 Open heart surgery is a serious and complicated surgical intervention performed to repair or replace structural damage to the heart. Open heart surgery is considered the last slot in cases where non-invasive treatment options are not effective. While the surgery saves lives and significantly improves a patient’s heart function along with quality of life, the surgery is often associated with several complications. The blog covers these complications related to open heart surgery in Delhi. 

Complications Related To Open Heart Surgery

Complications associated with open heart surgery are mentioned below: 

• Infection

Infection is the most common complication associated with any surgical intervention. In an open heart, the infection usually occurs at the incision site or deep within the chest. Infection deep within the heart can potentially affect heart valves. The common signs of infections include: 

1. Redness 
2. Swelling 
3. Warmth
4. Discharge
5. Fever
6. Chills.

• Bleeding

Since we are talking about heart surgery, bleeding is a known risk. Blood vessels or tissues may continue to bleed even after the surgery. In such a case, further intervention is required. The common signs of bleeding are as follows:

1. Excessive swelling
2. Low blood pressure 
3. Abnormal bruising
4. Organ Failure (in extreme cases) 
5. Blood transfusions (if bleeding persists post-surgery).

• Blood Clots and Stroke

Another associated risk with bleeding is blood clots. The bleeding continues; it may cause clots. These clots can further travel to the brain and may result in stroke. Common signs of blood clots after open heart surgery are as follows:

• Sudden numbness 
• Weakness
• Confusion 
• Vision problems 
• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty walking. 

• Arrhythmias 

Arrhythmias are referred to as irregular heartbeats. It is a common complication post-surgery. These irregular heartbeats can be dangerous or life-threatening. This happens because the heart's electrical system gets temporarily disrupted due to the surgery. This also further results in atrial fibrillation. Common signs of an irregular heartbeat are as follows:

1. Palpitations
2. Dizziness 
3. Chest Discomfort
4. Shortness of breath. 

• Kidney Dysfunction

An open heart surgery increases the risk of kidney dysfunction. This happens due to the usage of certain medications involved post-surgery, reducing blood pressure. Decreased blood pressure leads to oxygen deprivation to the kidney tissue, also known as “renal ischemia” followed by acute kidney injury. Common signs of kidney dysfunction are as follows:

1. Reduced urine output
2. Swelling
3. Fatigue
4. Confusion 

• Lung Complications

It is common for one complication to lead to another after open heart surgery. Cases of impaired blood pressure or blood clots can lead to breathing difficulties, pneumonia, or blood clots in the lungs. Moreover, the heart-lung machine used during surgery can also contribute to lung problems. Common signs and symptoms are: 

1. Shortness of breath. 
2. Chest pain. 
3. Coughing.
4. Fever. 

Cognitive Decline

In some cases, patients might experience cognitive decline after open heart surgery. The condition is sometimes referred to as pump head or postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Common signs of cognitive decline are as follows: 

1. Difficulty with memory 
2. Confusion 
3. Trouble with concentration. 

Although these symptoms are often temporary, in some cases, they may persist. 

• Prolonged Recovery and Pain

Prolonged recovery and pain are some of the obvious yet common complications. The recovery takes several weeks to months. The patient might also experience difficulty performing daily activities.

• Scar Tissue Formation

Scar is another common complication when it comes to open heart surgery. Over time, scars may appear at the incision site, potentially due to restricted blood flow or mechanical dysfunction of the heart. At first, the scar may seem asymptomatic but it may result in new cardiac issues. Common signs and symptoms are:

• Chest Pain
• Heart Failure 

Reducing the Risk of Complications

While the risks mentioned above may sound overwhelming, it is important to note that open heart surgery is a highly routine procedure and should be performed by a skilled and exceptionally trained heart surgeon. This helps to minimize the risks associated with the surgery. Moreover, the following measures can also help reduce complications:

• Preoperative Care: It includes controlling high blood pressure and managing diabetes to minimize the risk of complications.
• Choosing the Right Surgeon: Choosing an experienced heart or cardiac surgeon who holds extensive experience can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
• Postoperative Care: Adequate monitoring and early mobilization after surgery reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia or blood clots.

Get expert consultation from the best heart surgery specialist in Delhi, Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital!

While complications can occur after open heart surgery, it’s important to remember that the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks for patients with serious heart conditions. The surgery can greatly improve heart function, quality of life, and life expectancy. If you or your loved ones are preparing for this surgery, then you can trust the expert consultation of Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgery specialist in Delhi. He is currently practising at India’s leading and best cardiac hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Considering Dr. Sujay Shad can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications and enjoy a smoother recovery.

A Comprehensive Guide To Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is one of the most crucial surgical procedures. The surgery is performed to treat a wide range of heart conditions. The surgery is performed by making a large incision across the chest to expose the heart. This incision is usually 6 to 8 inches down into the chest. It is followed by cutting through the breastbone. This is why it is called open heart surgery. Although this may sound unnerving, the surgery saves millions of lives and allows people to spend long, healthy lives. In this blog, we will discuss some insights from the best cardiac surgeon in India regarding Open Heart Surgery. This blog will also entail an overview, procedure, benefits, risks, and recovery procedure for the previously mentioned surgery. 

An Overview Of Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is performed to repair or replace damaged, diseased, or malfunctioning parts of the heart. Despite the name being suggested as ‘open heart surgery,” the surgery does not always involve the heart being "open" for the entire surgery. Instead, in some cases, the surgeons may temporarily stop the heart and perform the required repair. This is done with the assistance of a heart-lung machine. This machine takes over the function of the heart throughout the procedure. Once the surgery is completed, the heart is revived and functions normally. 

When Is Open Heart Surgery Needed?

Open heart surgery is recommended for individuals suffering from severe heart conditions that cannot be managed through medication or a minimally invasive procedure. Instances of common heart conditions treated with open heart surgery are as follows:

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD, or coronary artery disease, is caused by the narrowing or blocking of arteries associated with the heart. These arteries are known as coronary arteries. Now, the narrowing or blocking of arteries is usually caused by the buildup of plaque. Building up of plaque results in restricted blood flow followed by chest pain. The medical term for chest pain is angina. In addition to that, this ultimately results in a heart attack. 

Moreover, treating this disease requires bypass grafting called CABG. It helps in rerouting the blood flow using the healthy blood vessels from another part of the body. 

Heart Valve Disease: Open heart surgery is also performed to treat heart valve disease. During this surgery, the damage or disease is repaired or removed and replaced with an artificial valve. Now, the replacement valve could be a biological or artificial valve.

Aortic Aneurysm: Aortic aneurysm occurs when the walls of the aorta get damaged or weakened and become bulged. The surgery is performed to replace or repair the damaged part of the aorta. 

Congenital Heart Defects: Open heart surgery is also performed to address congenital heart issues such as atrial septal defect, atrioventricular canal defect, ventricular septal defect, etc. This surgical procedure corrects the issues and improves quality of life. 

Heart Transplantation: Heart Transplantation is also performed by doing open heart surgery. A heart transplantation is required in the case of heart failure, in which the diseased heart is replaced with the healthy donor heart.

The Open Heart Surgery Procedure

The procedure of the open heart surgery is further mentioned below in detail: 

Preparation: Tye involves the administration of general anesthesia to the patient, ensuring the patient is unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. The sedative is administered by inserting an intravenous (IV) line and a catheter to monitor the vital signs. 

Incision: once the sedative kicks in, an incision is made down to the middle of the chest, cutting through the breastbone and allowing access to the heart.

Heart-Lung Machine: In some cases, a heart-lung machine is used to take over the function of the heart when the heart is temporarily stopped. The machine carries forward the role of pumping blood and oxygen. This allows the surgeon to carry on with the surgery while the human heart is at rest.

Repair or Replacement: Based on the agenda of the surgery, the surgeon will replace or repair the damaged part of the heart.

Closing: Once the repair or replacement is done, the heart is restarted and the heart and lung machine is slowly removed for the heart to take over. The incision is then closed with staples or sutures. 

Recovery After Open Heart Surgery

Recovery from open heart surgery is a gentle and moderate process and may take several weeks or months to get fully recovered. However, the recovery timeline depends on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's healing ability. However, the concise recovery period is further mentioned below: 

A typical hospital of 5 to 7 days for close monitoring of any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. It also includes pain management and breathing exercises to encourage quick recovery. 

Physical recovery starts once the patient is discharged and continues recovery at home, involving moderate physical activity like walking to improve circulation and strength. Your surgeon may also suggest a cardiac rehab program to help patients rebuild endurance and strength after surgery.

Risks and Complications

The risks and complications associated with the heart surgery are: 

• Infection 
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Stroke (in rare cases)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Consult expert consultation for Open Heart surgery in Delhi!

Open heart surgery is a life-saving procedure, giving a second chance at life and improving quality of life. Open heart surgery in Delhi is best performed by Dr. Sujay Shad. The surgeon treats conditions like coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects with precision, compassion, and care. If you or a loved one is looking for a cardiac surgeon, take an expert consultation with Dr. Shad today! 

Signs One is Experiencing Heart Attack

Heart attack is a chronic condition where blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked due to clots. Blockage in the heart prevents oxygen supply and damages the heart muscles. Immediate medical conditions are necessary for the patient to manage a heart attack. The fast process helps patients to restore blood flow to the heart and improves heart function. Symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness are more common. It can be managed by balancing diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India is known for his excellence at complex cardiac procedures. It is necessary to visit him at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital for a regular checkup. Regular follow-up helps in recognizing early signs of heart attack and can be cured on time. 

Here are several key signs of a heart attack:

Chest Pain or Discomfort: It is a primary symptom of a heart attack. Patients feel heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness on the left side of the chest. Pain is spread to other body parts such as arms, neck, jaws, or back. It is due to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart's muscles. It results in blockage in a coronary artery. 

Dyspnea: Dyspnea refers to the shortening of breath, leading to a heart attack. It happens when muscles are unable to pump blood due to an adequate amount of oxygen supply to the heart muscles. This leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs. It is necessary to take immediate action to resolve this issue and prevent further complications. 

Nausea: Nausea is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. It occurs due to minimal blood flow. The heart's inefficiency affects the digestive system. It may also be due to a reaction to severe pain or anxiety. It is necessary to control vomiting as it can be a sign of a heart attack. Prompt treatment is essential for effective recovery. 

Dizziness and Fatigue: Dizziness and fatigue are the symptoms of a heart attack. Dizziness is due to heart impairment. The heart is not able to pump. That reduces blood flow. Fatigue refers to continuous tiredness or weakness. It's due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients in the body.

Sweating: Sweating in cold temperatures is a sign of a heart attack. Patients start sweating suddenly without doing any physical activities. It is due to the body's stress that the heart is not working effectively during a heart attack. 

It is important not to ignore these signs and symptoms of heart attack. Dr. Sujay Shad is a renowned name for treating heart diseases and provides competitive heart surgery cost in Delhi. One can visit him at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital to provide the best care for their heart issues and ensure their overall well-being.

6 Signs That Indicate It's Time to Consult a Cardiac Surgeon

Cardiac surgeons, also known as cardiovascular surgeons, are one of the kinds of cardiothoracic surgeons who specialise in the surgeries done on the heart, its structures and heart valves, and the main veins and arteries around it. They should not be thought of as cardiologists or doctors who help diagnose and treat heart disease. Typically, many cardiologists refer a patient to the Best Cardiac Surgeon in India at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital when there is a need for heart surgery. A cardiologist diagnoses the patient’s heart condition and then checks if there is a need for surgery.

What are signs you should get your heart checked?

 

A cardiac surgeon can surgically treat a variety of cardiac health issues like coronary artery blockage, heart valve disease, aortic aneurysms, heart arrhythmia, and heart failure. When there is a need for cardiac surgery, it’s time to see a cardiac surgeon. But, for anyone who has no known heart condition, deciding when to see a cardiac surgeon may be confusing or difficult. In such a case, there are some symptoms to look out for.  

 

Here are the 6 signs that point out the need to see a cardiac surgeon:

 

1.  Pain or discomfort in the chest: It’s a hallmark sign of the heart not receiving sufficient blood, probably a heart attack that can only be surgically treated.

 

2.  Shortness of breath, palpitating heart, or dizziness: Such signs could be of irregular heartbeat or coronary artery disease that requires a surgical intervention.

 

3.  Chronic hypertension: Those who have had high blood pressure for a long time may be at high risk of heart stroke and attack as the heart works harder to pump blood.  

 

4.  Severe kidney disease or diabetes: There is a high link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diabetics are at high risk of developing coronary artery disease that needs surgical treatment. Moreover, those who have severe kidney disease are at high risk of heart failure which may require cardiac surgery. 

 

5.  History of elevated cholesterol: High cholesterol may result in arteriosclerosis that further causes the blocking of arteries and hypertension. In such a case, a cardiac surgeon can help by performing bypass graft surgery.

 

6.  Unexplained swelling in the lower body like ankles, feet, abdomen, or legs: These could be signs of heart failure. A cardiac surgeon may be required to treat underlying heart issues and alleviate such swelling.

 

It is important that one must not neglect these signs and consult with a cardiac surgeon or heart doctor, shares Dr. Sujay Shad, a senior cardiac surgeon practising at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Dr. Sujay Shad is an expert heart surgeon with expertise in heart surgeries, heart transplants, open heart surgery, and popularly known for Mitral Valve Repair in India.

 

Consult him if you are suffering from any heart issues or want more details on any type of cardiac surgery!

Can Rheumatic Heart Disease Lead To Heart Failure?

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a heart problem. It occurs when a streptococcal infection remains untreated, especially in places where medical care is not easily accessible. People can avoid getting Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), but it still affects millions of people around the world, mostly by hurting the heart valves. Even though the initial cause may seem far away, like a case of strep throat that wasn't addressed, the results can be terrible, even leading to heart failure. This blog looks at the complicated link between rheumatic heart disease and heart failure. Regarding this, the blog has been enriched with references from top-notch experts in heart failure surgery in Delhi and Mumbai (metro cities renowned for the best heart surgeons in India). 

An Overview of Rheumatic Heart Disease 

If one is unable to treat streptococcal illness, especially strep throat, the person can get down with rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disorder that can lead to rheumatic heart disease. 

How Rheumatic Heart Disease Leads to Heart Failure?

RHD can lead to an autoimmune reaction, and as a result, systemic inflammation forms. This condition affects the cardiovascular system. Within a certain amount of time, this inflammation could hurt the heart valves, making them less able to work properly and changing the flow of blood. The most common valve to be affected is the mitral valve, but other valves can also be impacted. 

As rheumatic heart disease gets worse, the heart valves gradually lose their ability to work. This leads to heart failure. Because the situation gets worse, the damaged valves have a harder time controlling the flow of blood. Unfortunately, this puts too much stress on the heart, making it work harder to make up for the valve's reduced function. Heart failure is a disorder in which the heart can't pump blood properly to meet the body's needs. Over time, the increasing amount of effort could lead to heart failure.

Factors of RHD Cause Heart Failure

• Damage of the Heart Valve

Heart failure is caused by a number of reasons that make rheumatic heart disease worse. At first, the damaged heart valves stop the blood from moving normally inside the heart chambers, which makes pumping less effective. This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs (pulmonary congestion) and other parts of the body, which can make it hard to breathe and cause the legs and belly to swell. If heart valve damage is diagnosed in a timely manner, heart failure can be eliminated. For this, heart valve repair replacement surgery is the most effective method. 

• Artery Blockage

The constant stress that a broken valve puts on the heart muscle could lead to enlargement, which means that the heart muscle gets thicker. At first, this might work as a way to make up for lost heart output. Over time, though, it could make it harder for the heart to relax and fill up with blood properly, which would make heart failure worse.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABS) is an effective way to treat artery blockage. To consider this treatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, renowned as the best bypass surgeon in Delhi. 

• Blood Clots 

When heart valves don't work properly, they can change the way blood flows, which can make people more likely to form blood clots. These blood clots can move to other parts of the body, which can cause major problems like a stroke or pulmonary embolism. This can make it harder for people with rheumatic heart disease to get better from heart failure.

• Prevention and Treatment

The best way to stop rheumatic heart disease is to treat streptococcal illnesses, like strep throat, quickly and properly. If medicines are given right away, rheumatic fever and the damage it causes to heart valves can be avoided. People who already have rheumatic heart disease need to get regular checkups, take antibiotics as a preventative measure, and make changes to their lifestyle in order to keep it under control and avoid complications like heart failure.

Conclusion

Rheumatic heart disease is a major cause of life-threatening health issues, especially in places where there aren't many medical resources. The initial cause, like a strep throat infection, might not seem like a big deal, but the effects could be very bad, even leading to heart failure. Understanding the link between rheumatic heart disease and heart failure emphasizes how important it is to diagnose the condition quickly, take action as soon as possible, and put in place a variety of management strategies. 

To lessen the effects of rheumatic heart disease and its complications, one should try to find and treat the reasons as well as make treatments better. To get more details, visit Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, a popular heart hospital in Delhi, and consult with Dr. Sujay Shad. 

Signs of Heart Failure That One Must Not Ignore

You should know that not all health problems come with warning signs. You may not see an alarming clutch followed by a fall to the floor like you mostly see in the movies. Some heart symptoms happen in the chest, and it’s difficult to tell what’s happening. But you should know one thing: cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, claim approximately 17.9 million lives worldwide, as per WHO. So, if you are also someone dealing with cardiovascular issues, you are in the right place to seek knowledge.

Based on the insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart doctor in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, here we will discuss what heart failure is and what signs of it you shouldn’t ignore! 

What Is Heart Failure? 

Heart failure is a condition where your heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can result from various underlying issues such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, heart valve disorders, etc.

Signs of Heart Failure That You Need To Watch Out For 

• Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain

Some people may experience nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain or in some cases, they may even vomit. As per a recent study, women are more likely to have these symptoms than men. However, you may also have an upset stomach for various reasons unrelated to your heart. It can be related to something you ate, but you should not be deluded that it can not affect your heart health. 

• Chest Discomfort 

Chest discomfort is the most common sign of heart danger. So, if you have a blocked artery or are experiencing a heart attack, you may feel pain, tightness and pressure in your chest. This feeling usually lasts longer than a few minutes. The chances of it happening when you are on rest or doing something physical. If you feel any chest discomfort, consult your doctor. 

• Pain Spreading To The Arm 

Another symptom of a heart attack is the pain that radiates down the left side of the body. When the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood, it leads to chest pain or discomfort that may spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back. These symptoms usually occur because the heart and the nerves in these areas share the same pain pathways, so pain signals from the heart can be referred to in these regions. However, it's crucial to consult a cardiologist for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if experiencing chest pain or discomfort.

• Feel Dizzy or Lightheaded 

A lot of changes in your lifestyle can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, like you are not eating enough or drinking enough or standing up too fast. Regardless, if you feel unsteady and have chest discomfort and shortness of breath, it is best to get medical help immediately.

• Jaw or Throat Pain  

Throat or jaw pain may not be heart-related as in this tissue, a cold or muscle problem usually causes them. However, if you are feeling pain or pressure in the centre of your chest that spreads up to your jaw or throat, it could be a sign of a heart attack that you need to get alert for. 

• Gets Exhausted Easily 

Are you unexpectedly fatigued or winded after doing something you had no problem doing, like carrying groceries from the car or climbing the stairs? In that case, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Feeling extremely exhausted or unexplained weakness, sometimes for days at a time, can be a symptom of heart disease, especially for women. 

• Snoring 

You should know it is normal to snore a little while you sleep. However, unusually loud snoring that sounds more like gasping or choking can indicate sleep apnea. It is when you stop breathing several times in the night while still sleeping. This condition can put extra stress on your heart and increase the risk of risk of heart failure. 

• Irregular Heartbeat 

It may be normal for your heart to race when you are too excited or nervous or skip a beat occasionally. But if you are experiencing something beyond that, like palpations or an irregular heartbeat that persists longer, or if you have any chest pain, pressure, dizziness or shortness of breath, it is best to talk to a cardiologist at the earliest. 

• Your Legs, Ankles, And Feet Are Swollen 

Having swollen legs, ankles, and feet could indicate that your heart doesn't pump blood as effectively as it should. When your heart fails to pump fast enough, blood backs up in the veins and causes bloating. Moreover, heart failure can also make it exceptionally harder for your kidneys to get rid of extra water and sodium from the body, which leads to bloating. 

• Sweating 

Sweating excessively, particularly during rest or exertion, can be a sign of heart failure. It occurs because the body attempts to regulate temperature in response to decreased cardiac output and impaired circulation. If you are experiencing persistent sweating along with other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, you should seek medical consultation immediately. 

Final Words 

The heart is a healthy part of your body, and keeping it healthy is necessary. So make sure you follow a healthy routine by quitting smoking, switching to more nutritious alternatives, adding green and fresh vegetables to your diet, exercising daily, and consulting a cardiologist at the right time. 

You can consult Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, the best hospital for heart surgery in Delhi. With more than three decades of experience, he is an expert when it comes to your heart health. So consult him today, and take care of your heart by visiting Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi today! 

When Is Open Heart Surgery Performed?

Heart surgery, medically termed cardiac surgery, refers to any operation done by a heart surgeon on the cardiac muscles, arteries, or valves. The term “open heart surgery” refers to the conventional surgical approach of addressing any heart problems wherein a cut or opening is made in the chest to directly access the heart.

If you have been suggested to undergo open heart surgery to correct blockage, replace diseased heart valves or others, then this article will help you. Dr. Sujay Shad, the best heart surgeon who performs Open Heart Surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, will tell you all about this life-saving procedure.

 

What are the common types of open-heart surgery?

In this procedure the heart surgeon cuts through the breastbone and spreads the ribs to reach the heart. During the surgery, the patient is put on a heart-lung bypass machine. The patient’s heart beating is stopped and the heart’s working is taken over by the bypass machine. 

 

Open heart surgery is commonly of the following kinds:

Heart bypass surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft): This surgery is performed in case of blockage. It involves creating a separate route, a bypass to allow the oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart.

Heart valve surgery: This surgery is done to repair or replace diseased heart valves that cause blood to backflow.

Surgery to correct a congenital heart defect: This corrective Open Heart Surgery in Delhi fixes or treats a structural defect in the heart present since birth. Some of the types of paediatric heart surgery are patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation, coarctation of the aorta repair, atrial/ventricular septal defect repair, and tetralogy of fallot repair.     

 

When is open heart surgery performed?

Open heart surgery may be done to treat any of the following conditions:

Aortic disease: Aorta is the largest artery of the body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It may get damaged or malfunction with diseases like atherosclerosis (plaque build-up), hypertension, genetic disorders like bicuspid aortic valve disease or Marfan syndrome, and connective tissue disorders like Turner syndrome or Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Open heart surgery can help repair and replace the damaged aortic valve.

Coronary artery disease: This disease is the result of the narrowing of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart. Open heart surgery can help treat coronary artery disease by creating a bypass for blood to flow.

Arrhythmias: It is a cardiac condition wherein the heart beats abnormally, either too slow too fast, or irregularly due to malfunctioning electrical impulses. Open heart surgery can help the heart properly beat by implanting medical devices like pacemakers.  

Heart valve disease: Valves allow the blood to flow in a forward direction between the upper and lower heart chambers and even out of the heart. There are two ways by which the heart valve can get diseased: Stenosis (stiffening or thickening of the flaps) and regurgitation (leaky valve or valve insufficiency). Open heart valve surgery can be performed to repair or replace any diseased valve.

Heart failure: It is a condition when the heart fails to pump properly to allow enough blood flow to meet the individual body's needs. Many cardiac conditions can end up with heart failure. These include cardiac amyloidosis, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, cancer-related heart disease, constrictive pericarditis, heart valve disease, and coronary artery disease. Open heart surgery can be done to transplant a donor's heart in place of a damaged heart.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: In this cardiac condition, the walls of the left ventricle of the heart become thick and stiff and the blood supply gets obstructed. It can lead to atrial fibrillation, stroke, heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias that can cause cardiac arrest. Septal myectomy is a kind of open-heart surgery that can treat this heart condition.

 

How is open heart surgery performed?

In general, open-heart surgery is performed by following these basic steps:

1. The patient is provided with general anaesthesia so that they remain unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.
2. Next, the surgeon makes an 8 to 10-inch long cut in the chest. Through the cut, the surgeon passes all or a portion of the patient’s breastbone to get access to the heart.
3. Once the heart is exposed, the patient’s heart may be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine.
4. Then, the surgeon addresses the specific issues of the heart like repairing or replacing the valve/artery, implanting a medical device, creating a bypass, or transplanting the donor heart.
5. After the needful is done, the surgeon closes the breastbone with wire and leaves the wire inside.
6. Lastly, the original cut is stitched up and the heart is covered with sterile bandages.

 

Are there any risks of having open heart surgery?

Just like any other surgery, open heart surgery also poses some risks. The potential risks include:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Blood clot
• Huge loss of blood
• Irregular heartbeat
• Kidney or lung failure
• Chest pain and low-grade fever
• Fuzziness or memory loss
• Troubled breathing
• Pneumonia
• Chest wound infection (mostly in diabetics, obese people, or those who have undergone CABG surgery)
• The risk is increased when a heart-lung bypass machine is used.

 

What at-home care do I need to recover from my open heart surgery?

As per Heart Surgery Doctor in Delhi, After coming back home following your heart surgery, you must do the following:

 

• Take proper care of your incision site and regularly inspect it for any signs of infection.
• Manage your pain or discomfort with prescribed painkillers.
• Avoid intake of caffeine, tobacco, narcotics, and alcohol as these can impair the natural healing process.
• Take adequate sleep, eat heart-healthy food, and drink plenty of water.

 

When is open heart surgery preferred over minimally invasive heart surgery?

In recent times, minimally invasive heart surgeries, also known as the keyhole approach, have taken over the traditional open-heart surgery. That’s because the keyhole approach offers many benefits like no broken breast bone, no risk of bone infection, minimal pain, short recovery, minimal downtime, and small scarring. However, not every heart patient can go for the keyhole approach.

The factors that decide which approach to go ahead with include the patient’s heart condition, general health, age, improved patient outcomes, and other pertinent considerations. Certain patients’ condition or the complexity of the case necessitates the surgeon to perform open heart surgery.

 

Consult the Best Heart Surgeon!

Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned cardiologist and heart surgeon for Open Heart Surgery in Delhi at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. He is a skilled heart surgeon who has successfully conducted many life-saving heart surgeries.

 

Reach out for a consultation today to learn more!