Open heart surgery is a procedure where the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and performs surgery on the heart’s muscles, valves, and arteries. Open heart surgeries are exceedingly common among adults. Throughout the surgery, a salubrious artery or vein is grafted to a blocked coronary artery. Doing so enables the grafted artery to “bypass” the obstructed artery and deliver fresh blood to the heart. The top heart surgery hospital in Bangalore is adept at tackling such surgeries. Bangalore is excelling in the cardiac department. Their state-of-the-art technologies and proficient doctors can carry out these procedures seamlessly.
People suffering from coronary heart disease require open-heart surgeries. However, the word “open heart” can be misleading. The top heart hospital in Bangalore employs minimally invasive and robotic surgeries. With changing times, the modes to operate have become simplified. They still possess many risk factors, but using robots is more sagacious.
Coronary heart disease is prompted when the blood vessels providing blood and oxygen to the heart are narrowed. They also become harder. This phenomenon is referred to as “hardening of the arteries.” The solidification transpires when fatty materials constitute plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries. This makes the process of blood flow harder. Insufficient blood flow to the heart can ensue a heart attack.
DURING THE SURGERY
1) The surgery commences with sedating the patient to ensure that they cannot feel the steps taken during the operation. It helps in making the process pain-free.
2) Then, the surgeon makes an 8-12 inches incision in the patient’s chest.
3) Subsequently, he/she cuts through the whole of the patient’s breastbone or partially. This reveals the heart.
4) Once the heart is revealed, the patient is attached to a bypass machine. The machine’s role is to stir the blood away from the heart to allow the surgeon to operate. More novelty techniques steer clear of this step.
5) The surgeon then applies a strong vein or artery to carve a new path encompassing the blocked artery.
6) After this, the breastbone is closed with the wire still inside the body.
7) Lastly, the primary cut is sewn back.
Doctors use sternal plating for patients who have undergone multiple surgeries or are old. Sternal plating is practiced when the breastbone is reconnected with small titanium plates post-surgery.
RISK FACED DURING AN OPEN HEART SURGERY
Several risks are entailing this intricate procedure. They are:
1) A chest infection is a high likelihood. It is typically common among diabetes, obesity or those who have undergone Coronary artery bypass before.
2) Heart attack or stroke
3) Irregular heartbeat
4) Chest pain and low fever
5) Lung or kidney failure
6) Blood clot and blood loss
7) Variable heartbeat
8) Difficulty in breathing
9) Pneumonia
A patient may also undergo neurological problems.
PREPARING FOR THE SURGERY
It is essential to remember that open heart surgery is an exceedingly intricate process. One must pay close attention to the doctor’s instructions and abide by them.
The patient must inform the doctors regarding their current medication, vitamins and herbs. They must also be vocal about any other symptoms such as herpes, cold, flu or fever. At least two weeks before the surgery, one must refrain from smoking and drinking. Also, they must steer clear of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
If you consume alcohol regularly, be vocal about it. People who devour 2-3 drinks in a day must stop right before the surgery, or they may sink into alcohol withdrawal, inducing life-threatening effects. The patient may also undergo seizures and tremors.
A day before the surgery, the patient may have to bathe with a special soap that eliminates bacteria and dwindles the likelihood of infections. You may be disallowed from consuming anything right after the surgery. The healthcare provider will present further detailed instructions.
POST SURGERY
The person will have several attachments from their chest to drain the fluid surrounding the heart. The first night is spent. The patient will need to be shifted to a regular care room for at least 2 to 3 days.
The patient must be meticulous, post their discharge and look into what they eat. They must also avoid undue stress.
CONCLUSION
Several risk factors are adjoining open-heart surgery. However, this procedure is imperative. Not performing it will have irreversible consequences. The patient must heed their health sufficiently after a triumphant surgery. The human body is very frail and needs appropriate nursing. Getting enough sleep and allowing one’s body to recuperate is essential.
