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Author:- Dr Mansi
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Heart surgery can be defined as any surgical operation involving the heart or the blood arteries that supply and drain the heart’s blood. Patients with cardiac disease, those who have experienced a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, as well as those who are more susceptible to these issues, frequently have these operations. It seeks to eliminate symptoms related to these disorders and enhance the heart’s general function.
Conditions Treated by Heart Surgery
Heart surgery treats conditions such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and arrhythmias. The following is a detailed list of the conditions that can be treated with cardiac surgery:
- Congenital Heart Defects: These heart defects are structural and exist from birth. Septal defects and obstructive lesions are two examples. These flaws can be fixed surgically, enhancing both the general health and function of the heart.
- Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats that can be too fast, too slow, or erratic- for example, tachycardia (heart rate exceeding 100 BPM and Bradycardia (heart rate going below 60 BPM). Abnormal cardiac rhythms can be managed and corrected with procedures like ablation or defibrillator or pacemaker implantation.
- Heart Valve Disorders:The heart’s valves guarantee that blood flows through it only in one way. Heart problems include regurgitation (leaking) and stenosis (narrowing) can make the heart less functional. These problems are resolved surgically to enhance heart function and blood flow, including valve replacement or repair.
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This happens when plaque buildup narrows or blocks the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart muscle. Heart surgery, like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), has the ability to reestablish blood flow to the heart.
- Atrial fibrillation:Atrial fibrillation is a frequently occurring heart condition characterized by fast and irregular heartbeats in the atria, leading to disturbances in blood circulation. These symptoms may include palpitations, breathlessness, and a higher likelihood of experiencing a stroke. Treatment revolves around heart surgery techniques like the Maze procedure, which generates scar tissue to block irregular electrical signals, and left atrial appendage closure, which seals off a portion of the heart to lower the risk of stroke.
Types of Heart Surgery
- Aortic Surgery: This procedure addresses aortic aneurysms and dissections by repairing or replacing the affected segments of the aorta, helping to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Aortic Valve Surgery: During this process, the aortic valve is repaired or replaced to make sure it works correctly, enabling smooth blood circulation from the heart.
- Arrhythmia Surgery: This procedure fixes abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia in order to bring back a regular heart rhythm and enhance the heart’s overall performance.
- Congenital Heart Surgery: Corrective measures are utilized to treat genetic heart abnormalities with the goal of enhancing heart function and improving quality of life.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In this procedure, blocked coronary arteries are bypassed with grafts to enhance blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve symptoms.
- Heart Transplant: Heart transplantation is a procedure for patients with severe heart failure, where a healthy donor heart is implanted to restore proper blood circulation and functionality in the body.
Quality of life after heart surgery
The quality of life following heart surgery may differ based on the type of procedure, the patient’s general wellness, and the occurrence of any complications. In general, a large number of patients witness substantial enhancements in symptoms and physical function. They frequently mention decreased pain, higher energy levels, and a resumption of regular daily tasks.
Healing requires a stage of rehabilitation, which might involve physiotherapy, managing medication, and making lifestyle modifications like dietary changes and consistent physical activity. Emotional health is significant as patients might require assistance in handling stress or anxiety associated with their illness and healing process.
In general, following medical advice and taking good care of oneself after surgery can lead to improved heart function, decreased symptoms, and better overall health for many people.
Complications due to heart surgery
The complications from heart surgery can differ depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. Common complications include:
- Infection:Infections following surgery may happen either at the incision site or inside the chest cavity.
- Bleeding:Excessive bleeding might necessitate extra interventions or blood transfusions.
- Blood Clots: The development of clots may result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, can occur after surgery.
- Stroke: Decreased blood circulation or blood clots can heighten the likelihood of a stroke.
- Respiratory Issues: Possible issues include pneumonia or trouble with breathing.
- Kidney Dysfunction: Surgery has the potential to impact kidney function, resulting in either temporary or permanent problems.
Patients are monitored closely during recovery to manage and address these risks promptly. Continuous monitoring helps detect complications early, ensuring swift medical intervention. Regular assessments and follow-up care are crucial for optimal recovery and long-term health.