Open-heart surgery involves opening up the chest to repair and fix a fault or damage in the heart. This blog encompasses the details of open-heart surgery, the risks involved, what to expect after the surgery and where you can find the best heart doctor in Nagercoil.
Understanding Open-Heart Surgery
Open-heart surgery is one of the most critical medical procedures that involves opening the chest to access the heart. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a new way for blood to flow around the partially or fully blocked arteries in the heart. Heart block treatment in Nagercoil is done with the help of open heart surgery and effectively reduces the risk of stroke, heart injuries, heart rhythm problems, and the risk of (sudden) death. The procedure usually takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the condition of the patient and the treatment plan.
How is open-heart surgery performed?
Being the best cardiology hospital in Nagercoil, we ensure the procedure is done under close monitoring and immediate postoperative support. Below mentioned are the major steps of open-heart surgery:
- Our surgeons make a 6–8 inch incision along the middle of the chest that goes through the breastbone.
- This opens access to the heart and the experts begin the surgery to repair the heart.
- If it’s a coronary artery bypass surgery, our medical team might use a heart-lung bypass machine during the surgery. This machine temporarily takes over the heart functions and removes blood from the heart via tubes.
- Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon closes the wound with stitches and dresses the wound with bandages.
Risks for open-heart surgery include
To mention, the surgery involves a few potential risks, including heart attack and stroke. Apart from these, here are some other risks for open-heart surgery:
- Infection
- Irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia
- Bleeding
- Blood Clots
- Organ or tissue damage
- Lung or kidney failure
- Chest wound infection
- Pneumonia
- Graft dysfunction or rejection, if a person received a transplant
The risk of surgery is higher when the surgery is done on an emergency basis. However, the medical team from best heart hospital in Nagercoil will advise on ways to reduce some of these risks, which may involve taking medications as well as making diet or lifestyle changes.
How to prepare for open-heart surgery?
Preparation is the key to a successful surgical procedure. Keep in mind the below to prepare the best for the procedure.
- Discuss your doubts and queries with the cardiac expert. Inform them about your current medications and any prior illness, if any. The doctor may ask you to stop the intake of blood thinners (if you are consuming any).
- Seek the surgeon’s advice regarding diet, blood tests, chest X-ray, ECG etc.
- The best heart doctor in Nagercoil may also advice the patient to quit smoking and alcohol and start exercising regularly before the procedure.
Recovery, follow-up, and what to expect after the surgery?
Next comes the recovery and follow-up procedures. Once the operation is over, the patient may feel dizziness and nausea due to the anesthesia. When the patient is ready to go home, cardio experts from the best cardiology hospital in Nagercoil will guide rehabilitation and advise on medications or any physical restrictions. Make a note of the following points to enjoy a speedy recovery and minimize post-operative distress:
- Incision care is the most vital aspect to take care of for a speedy recovery. Follow the doctor’s guidelines on whether to take a bath and how to save the incision from infection.
- Our proficient cardiologists will recommend a set of medications to reduce muscle pain, throat pain, pain at incision sites, or pain from chest tubes.
- Getting good rest and maintaining a sleep schedule also aids in fast recovery.
- It may take upto six weeks to enjoy the full benefits benefits of the surgery.
- You must follow your doctor’s prescription and maintain healthy habits while monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
At Ponjesly Hospital, our esteemed team of heart surgeons is aided by cutting-edge technology to help you have a healthy heart. Voted as the best heart hospital in Nagercoil, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. With a focus on patient-centric care, innovative treatments and personalized healthcare plans, we strive to bring the best of heart healthcare under one roof. Book an appointment now.
Also Read : When Choosing the Best Heart Hospital?