Heart surgery or cardiac surgery involves surgical procedures on or near the heart and blood vessels to treat various genetic and age-related heart conditions. It aims to improve heart function, reduce symptoms, and extend one’s life expectancy.
Whether it is life-saving interventions or planned corrective measures, cardiac surgery plays a significant role in managing heart disease and enhancing the quality of life for patients. In this article, we will weigh the benefits and risks of this type of surgery so you can make an informed decision.
Types of Cardiac Surgery
Based on the symptoms and conditions of the patient, there are different types of surgical procedures that a surgeon can perform, such as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG):
CABG is a surgical procedure that restores blood flow to the heart by circumventing blocked arteries. Surgeons use healthy and viable blood vessels of appropriate size from other parts of the body to create an alternate pathway for blood flow.
This procedure is known for reducing chest pain, preventing heart attacks, and improving the overall function of the heart.
- Valve repair or replacement:
This is a procedure required for fixing or replacing damaged heart valves such as the mitral, tricuspid, or semilunar valves which regulate blood flow. A repair involves reshaping or patching the valve, whereas, a replacement is when the valve is removed and a mechanical or biological valve is substituted in its place as a prosthetic.
This surgery restores proper blood flow, and circulation while alleviating symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue.
- Atrial fibrillation surgery:
This type of surgery is known for fixing irregular rhythms caused by improper electrical signals in the atria. This surgery comes in many forms– Maze surgery, catheter ablation surgery, etc. which creates scar tissue to block faulty signals hence restoring normal rhythm. This reduces the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other related symptoms.
- Transplantation and insertion of cardiac devices:
This method is a last resort procedure that replaces a diseased heart with a healthy heart from a donor, which is a solution for end-stage heart failure. Artificial hearts can be either a temporary or permanent solution that is used to replace the function of the heart when a transplant is not immediately available.
These are just a few of the main types of heart surgery that surgeons perform. There are more intricate surgical options available for those presenting unique symptoms and conditions.
Chennai is known for its advanced cardiac care and skilled and experienced specialists. With modern technology and trusted surgical staff, it is a good choice for heart surgeries. A cardiac surgeon in Chennai offers accurate treatment and has quality patient care which makes it a reliable location for cardiac procedures.
Benefits of cardiac surgery
There are many pros and cons to heart surgery, the benefits include:
- Improved blood flow: restoration of proper circulation by clearing blockages, repairing valves, or correcting structural defeats.
- Enhanced quality of life: Reduces discomfort such as breathlessness, fatigue, and chest pain.
- Prolonged lifespan: Lowers the risk of further heart damage and complications thereby increasing the patient’s life span, in severe cases.
Risks of cardiac surgery
While the overall outcomes are good for heart surgery, there are still risks associated with the procedure, which is common for any surgery. Some risks include:
- Infection of the surgical wound
- Bleeding around the incision site
- Arrhythmias
- Stroke
- Long recovery with the possibility of post-operative symptoms such as fatigue or pain
- Constant medication post-transplantation surgery to prevent rejection of the new heart.
The chances of these risks are high if the patient has conditions such as diabetes, a high BMI, or is a regular smoker/tobacco user.
Weighing the risks and benefits of cardiac surgery
Deciding whether to undergo cardiac surgery is a significant decision that depends on your specific condition and overall health. Surgery becomes necessary in cases of severe blockages and valve conditions or advanced heart failure where other treatments may no longer be effective.
Speaking with a cardiologist is mandatory. They can assist you in understanding the severity of the condition, explain the potential risks associated with the surgery, and also help you explore more options, if any. Diagnostic tests and further discussions will provide a clearer picture of what is the better treatment option for the patient.
In some instances, medications or less invasive treatments may work just as well while in other situations demand surgical intervention. Weighing the potential benefits against the risks should allow you to make a decision that prioritizes your long-term health and well-being.
Cardiac surgery treats severe heart conditions by restoring blood flow, repairing valves, or replacing the heart. While it can improve the quality of life and extend one’s lifespan, risks like infection, arrhythmias and a long recovery do exist. Each case is different, and consulting a cardiologist to discuss and come up with an appropriate surgical plan is mandatory.
