Overview
The department of Cardiac Surgery at Lilavati Hospital, Gujarat, treats diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. It includes surgeries to fix blocked arteries, fix or replace broken heart valves, and fix structural problems with the heart. Most heart surgeries are performed in specialized operating rooms equipped with advanced monitoring and support systems. For example, heart-lung machines temporarily take over circulation during the surgery. Some surgeries are still done the old-fashioned way, with open-heart surgery. However, new techniques allow some procedures to be done with minimal incisions. The goal is to safely and effectively restore normal heart function and blood flow.
When medications or minimally invasive procedures can't help with heart problems, patients are referred to cardiac surgeons. Some common causes are severe coronary artery disease, valve problems, congenital heart defects, or problems that happen after a heart attack. Persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or reduced exercise tolerance are among the symptoms that often prompt further testing. In some cases, surgery is planned based on test results even before symptoms worsen. This is especially true if there is a chance that heart function will get worse.
There are many different types of heart surgery. Some of these are coronary artery disease treated with bypass surgery (CABG), heart valve diseases that need to be fixed or replaced, and congenital heart defects that are present at birth. It also includes treating aortic diseases, such as aneurysms and dissections. Other procedures may involve removing tumors from the heart or repairing structural problems. Some patients also have multiple procedures done at the same time when they have multiple problems. The type of surgery best for a patient depends on their condition, how severe it is, and their overall health.
With better surgical techniques, anesthesia, and postoperative care, the results of heart surgery have gotten a lot better. After surgery, many patients feel better, and their hearts work better. It can take several weeks to recover, and cardiac rehabilitation programs can help. With the right follow-up, medication, and lifestyle changes, patients usually achieve very good long-term results, allowing them to live active lives again.
