Open heart surgery refers to surgery done on the heart muscle, valves, arteries or other structures through an opening in the patient's chest. A heart-lung machine takes over the heart's pumping action to provide the patient with oxygen-rich blood while the surgeons operate on a still heart.
New minimally invasive surgeries, including robotic-assisted surgery, are performed through smaller incisions. In some of these surgeries the heart remains beating and no heart-lung machine is necessary.
These new methods may reduce risks and recovery time. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services/National Institutes of Health, studies that compare new types of heart surgery to traditional open-heart surgery will help doctors decide the best procedure for each patient.
Preparation for Surgery
Many open heart surgeries are planned in advance for problems that have already been identified by your doctor. But many others are performed on an emergency basis in response to the onset of sudden life-threatening symptoms.
If you're having a planned surgery you may be admitted to the hospital the day before your procedure. Your health care team will meet with you to describe the procedure and give you instructions on how to prepare for your particular surgery.
Whether your surgery is planned or an emergency, you may first be given tests, such as an EKG, chest x-ray or blood tests. An intravenous line will be placed in your arm to supply you with fluids and medication. If there's hair near your incision site it may be shaved. Your skin will be washed with special soap to reduce the risk of infection. After you're moved to the operating room you'll receive general anesthesia.
Recovery Expectations
How long you'll remain in the hospital depends on the type of heart surgery you received. You could spend one or more days in the hospital's intensive care unit and then go to another part of hospital for up to several days.
During your hospital stay, doctors and nurses will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, vital signs and incision site(s). The intravenous needle will remain in your arm until you're capable of drinking and eating on your own. You may also receive extra oxygen.
Once home, follow your doctor's instructions. Some temporary discomfort is normal. Full recovery from traditional open heart surgery can take up to 12 weeks but minimally invasive surgeries require less time.
For more information go to HealthKey.com's Heart Health page.
New minimally invasive surgeries, including robotic-assisted surgery, are performed through smaller incisions. In some of these surgeries the heart remains beating and no heart-lung machine is necessary.
Preparation for Surgery
Many open heart surgeries are planned in advance for problems that have already been identified by your doctor. But many others are performed on an emergency basis in response to the onset of sudden life-threatening symptoms.
If you're having a planned surgery you may be admitted to the hospital the day before your procedure. Your health care team will meet with you to describe the procedure and give you instructions on how to prepare for your particular surgery.
Whether your surgery is planned or an emergency, you may first be given tests, such as an EKG, chest x-ray or blood tests. An intravenous line will be placed in your arm to supply you with fluids and medication. If there's hair near your incision site it may be shaved. Your skin will be washed with special soap to reduce the risk of infection. After you're moved to the operating room you'll receive general anesthesia.
Recovery Expectations
How long you'll remain in the hospital depends on the type of heart surgery you received. You could spend one or more days in the hospital's intensive care unit and then go to another part of hospital for up to several days.
During your hospital stay, doctors and nurses will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, vital signs and incision site(s). The intravenous needle will remain in your arm until you're capable of drinking and eating on your own. You may also receive extra oxygen.
Once home, follow your doctor's instructions. Some temporary discomfort is normal. Full recovery from traditional open heart surgery can take up to 12 weeks but minimally invasive surgeries require less time.
For more information go to HealthKey.com's Heart Health page.
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