Heart Surgery

Advanced cardiac surgical procedures performed by expert surgeons, providing comprehensive care for heart conditions with a focus on optimal outcomes.

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Comprehensive Cardiac Surgical Care

Heart surgery, also known as cardiac surgery, encompasses a range of procedures performed on the heart and major blood vessels to treat various cardiovascular conditions. At WS Clinic, our cardiac surgery department is dedicated to providing exceptional surgical care for patients with heart disease, combining technical expertise with compassionate care to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our team of highly skilled cardiac surgeons has extensive experience in performing both traditional open-heart surgeries and minimally invasive procedures. They work closely with cardiologists, anesthesiologists, specialized nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care throughout the surgical journey—from initial consultation and preoperative preparation to the procedure itself and postoperative recovery.

We understand that heart surgery can be a daunting prospect for patients and their families. That's why we prioritize clear communication, thorough education about the procedure and recovery process, and emotional support at every step. Our patient-centered approach ensures that you receive not only the highest standard of technical care but also the compassion and support needed during this challenging time.

Common Heart Surgery Procedures

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

CABG is performed to improve blood flow to the heart when coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked. During this procedure, a healthy blood vessel (typically from the chest, leg, or arm) is grafted to bypass the blocked coronary artery, creating a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle. This procedure can be performed using traditional open-heart techniques or minimally invasive approaches, depending on the patient's specific condition and needs.

Heart Valve Repair and Replacement

These procedures address heart valve problems such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking). Valve repair preserves the patient's own valve by reconstructing the tissue to improve function. When repair isn't possible, valve replacement involves removing the damaged valve and replacing it with either a mechanical valve or a biological valve (made from animal tissue or human donor tissue). Our surgeons are skilled in both traditional and minimally invasive approaches to valve surgery.

Aortic Surgery

Aortic surgery addresses conditions affecting the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. These procedures include repair of aortic aneurysms (weakened, bulging areas in the aortic wall), treatment of aortic dissection (tear in the inner layer of the aorta), and correction of aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta). Our surgeons use both open surgical techniques and endovascular approaches (using catheters inserted through blood vessels) depending on the specific condition and patient factors.

Arrhythmia Surgery

Surgical procedures for cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) include the Maze procedure for atrial fibrillation, which creates a pattern of scar tissue to guide electrical signals along a controlled path. We also perform implantation of pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators to manage heart rhythm disorders. These procedures may be performed as standalone surgeries or in conjunction with other cardiac procedures, depending on the patient's specific needs.

Heart Transplantation

For patients with end-stage heart failure who haven't responded to other treatments, heart transplantation may be considered. This complex procedure involves removing the diseased heart and replacing it with a healthy donor heart. Our transplant team provides comprehensive care throughout the transplantation process, including evaluation, matching with a suitable donor, the surgical procedure itself, and long-term follow-up care to manage immunosuppression and monitor for complications.

Congenital Heart Defect Repair

These procedures correct heart defects present at birth, such as septal defects (holes in the heart), valve abnormalities, and complex malformations like tetralogy of Fallot. While many congenital heart defects are diagnosed and treated in childhood, some may not be detected until adulthood. Our cardiac surgeons work closely with adult congenital heart specialists to provide appropriate surgical interventions for adults with congenital heart conditions.

Surgical Approaches

Traditional Open-Heart Surgery

Traditional open-heart surgery involves making a large incision in the chest and temporarily stopping the heart while a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure. This approach provides direct access to the heart and surrounding structures, allowing surgeons to perform complex repairs and replacements.

While this method is more invasive than minimally invasive approaches, it remains the gold standard for certain complex cardiac conditions and may be the most appropriate option for many patients. Our surgeons are highly skilled in open-heart techniques and use advanced technologies and protocols to enhance safety and improve outcomes, including specialized myocardial protection strategies to minimize heart damage during surgery.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery encompasses various techniques that allow surgeons to perform heart procedures through smaller incisions without fully opening the chest. These approaches include:

Mini-thoracotomy: Surgery performed through a small incision between the ribs
Mini-sternotomy: A smaller incision in the breastbone compared to traditional surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery: Using robotic instruments controlled by the surgeon for enhanced precision
Endoscopic procedures: Using specialized cameras and instruments inserted through small incisions

The benefits of minimally invasive approaches may include less pain, reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. Our cardiac team carefully evaluates each patient's condition, anatomy, and overall health to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

Hybrid Procedures

Hybrid cardiac procedures combine conventional surgical techniques with catheter-based interventions, offering less invasive alternatives for complex cardiac conditions. These procedures are typically performed in specialized hybrid operating rooms equipped with advanced imaging technology, allowing for both surgical and interventional approaches in a single setting.

Examples of hybrid procedures include hybrid coronary revascularization (combining CABG with coronary stenting) and hybrid valve procedures (combining surgical valve repair with transcatheter techniques). These innovative approaches allow for customized treatment strategies that leverage the strengths of both surgical and interventional techniques while minimizing the drawbacks of each approach individually.

The Heart Surgery Journey

Preoperative Evaluation and Preparation

Before heart surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their cardiac condition, overall health, and suitability for surgery. This evaluation typically includes:

Detailed medical history and physical examination
Cardiac diagnostic tests (echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, stress tests, CT scans)
Laboratory tests to assess organ function and identify risk factors
Consultation with anesthesiologists and other specialists as needed
Discussion of surgical options, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes

Once surgery is scheduled, our team provides detailed instructions for preparation, including guidelines on medications, fasting requirements, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. We also offer preoperative education sessions to help patients and their families understand the surgical process and prepare for recovery. Our goal is to ensure that patients are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery, with all questions addressed and concerns alleviated.

The Surgical Procedure

On the day of surgery, patients are admitted to the hospital and prepared for the procedure. The surgical team, including cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists (who operate the heart-lung machine), and specialized nursing staff, works together to ensure a safe and successful operation.

The specific details of the procedure vary depending on the type of heart surgery being performed. However, most cardiac surgeries involve the following general steps:

Administration of general anesthesia
Creation of surgical access to the heart (through sternotomy or minimally invasive approaches)
Connection to the heart-lung machine if cardiopulmonary bypass is needed
Performance of the specific cardiac procedure
Restoration of normal heart function and disconnection from bypass if used
Closure of the surgical incision

Throughout the procedure, the surgical team monitors vital signs and other parameters to ensure patient safety. Our surgeons use advanced techniques and technologies to perform precise repairs and minimize complications, with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome for each patient.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After surgery, patients are transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring and specialized care. The typical postoperative course includes:

Continuous monitoring of vital signs, cardiac function, and other parameters
Management of pain and other symptoms
Gradual weaning from breathing support and other medical devices
Early mobilization to prevent complications and promote recovery
Transfer to a regular hospital room once stable
Education on wound care, activity restrictions, and medication management
Discharge planning and coordination of follow-up care

The length of hospital stay varies depending on the type of surgery and individual recovery progress, but typically ranges from 5-10 days for traditional open-heart surgery and may be shorter for minimally invasive procedures. After discharge, patients continue their recovery at home with regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, and make lifestyle changes to support heart health. Our cardiac rehabilitation program includes supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy living, and emotional support to help patients achieve the best possible long-term outcomes after heart surgery.

Why Choose WS Clinic for Heart Surgery?

Expert Surgical Team

Our cardiac surgery team consists of board-certified surgeons with specialized training and extensive experience in a wide range of heart procedures. They are supported by dedicated cardiac anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, and other specialists who work together to provide exceptional care. Our surgeons stay at the forefront of cardiac surgical advancements through ongoing education, research, and innovation.

Comprehensive Cardiac Care

We offer a full spectrum of cardiac services, from diagnosis and medical management to interventional procedures and surgery. This integrated approach ensures coordinated care across all aspects of heart health. Our cardiac surgeons work closely with cardiologists and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient's specific condition, needs, and preferences.

Advanced Technology and Techniques

Our cardiac surgery program utilizes state-of-the-art technology and the latest surgical techniques to provide the highest quality care. From advanced imaging systems and monitoring equipment to specialized surgical instruments and devices, we invest in technology that enhances surgical precision, improves outcomes, and promotes patient safety. Our surgeons are skilled in both traditional and innovative approaches, allowing them to offer the most appropriate options for each patient.

Patient-Centered Approach

We recognize that heart surgery is not just a medical procedure but a significant life event that affects patients and their families emotionally as well as physically. Our patient-centered approach emphasizes clear communication, compassionate care, and support throughout the surgical journey. We take the time to explain procedures, answer questions, address concerns, and involve patients in decision-making about their care. Our goal is to provide not only excellent technical outcomes but also a positive and supportive experience for every patient.

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Heart Health Resources

Heart Disease Risk Factors
Heart-Healthy Diet Guidelines
Exercise Recommendations
Stress Management Techniques
Warning Signs of Heart Problems
Cardiac Rehabilitation Information