A heart surgical procedure refers to a medical intervention or operation performed on the heart with the objective of diagnosing, treating, or correcting heart-related conditions or abnormalities. This type of procedure is typically carried out by a skilled cardiac surgeon in a specialized cardiovascular operating room.
Heart surgical procedures are conducted to address various conditions such as coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, and heart failure. They involve a range of techniques and approaches, depending on the specific requirement of the patient.
These procedures often require the use of a heart-lung machine, also known as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, which temporarily takes over the pumping and oxygenation functions of the heart and lungs during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to operate on a still and bloodless field to minimize risks.
Examples of heart surgical procedures include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), where a graft is used to bypass a blocked coronary artery, and valve replacement or repair, which entails removing a damaged or malfunctioning heart valve and replacing it with an artificial or biological substitute. Another common procedure is angioplasty, which involves the insertion of a catheter and the use of a balloon or stent to clear blockages in the coronary arteries.
Heart surgical procedures are often undertaken to alleviate symptoms, improve heart function, prolong life, or prevent complications. These interventions require a comprehensive preoperative assessment, careful planning, and postoperative care to optimize the patient's chances of a successful recovery and restoration of heart health.
