Cardiac Surgery

Common Heart Conditions Treated in India - Cardiac Surgery Explained

Cardiac surgery can treat a range of common heart conditions. This short explains what these procedures involve and what you can expect during the process.

What cardiac surgery involves

Cardiac surgery refers to any procedure performed on the heart muscle, valves, arteries, or the aorta and other large arteries connected to the heart.

• Its purpose. The goal is to correct problems that prevent the heart from working as it should. This can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Surgical approaches. Procedures can be performed as open-heart surgery or as minimally invasive surgery, depending on the condition being treated and your overall health.
• The surgical team. A team of specialists, including a cardiac surgeon, an anaesthetist, and specialist nurses, is involved in your care.

Common types of heart surgery

The type of surgery recommended is based on your specific diagnosis.

• Bypass surgery. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is used to treat blocked arteries by creating a new path for blood to flow to the heart muscle.
• Valve surgery. This can involve repairing a damaged heart valve or replacing it with a mechanical or biological valve.
• Aneurysm repair. This procedure is done to repair a bulge in the wall of the aorta or another major artery to prevent it from rupturing.
• Arrhythmia treatment. Surgical procedures can be used to correct irregular heart rhythms that do not respond to other treatments.

Recovery and aftercare

• Hospital stay. After surgery, you will usually spend time in an intensive care unit (ICU) before moving to a regular hospital room. The total length of stay varies.
• Cardiac rehabilitation. This is a monitored programme of exercise and education designed to help you recover and regain strength.
• Lifestyle changes. You may be advised to make long-term changes to your diet, exercise habits, and to stop smoking to protect your heart health.
• Follow-up care. Regular check-ups with a cardiologist are necessary to monitor your progress and manage your condition.

The suitability of any cardiac surgery depends on your specific condition, overall health, and a specialist's review of your medical reports and recent imaging.