Is Open Heart Surgery Very Serious?

Understanding the Risks Associated with Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is considered to be a major operation that requires an extended recovery period. A person undergoing open heart surgery is kept in the ICU for a few days after the procedure for close observation.

As the heart is a vital organ that pumps blood to every part of the body, any operation related to the heart is critical and must be performed with utmost precision.

Scroll down to learn more about open heart surgery, its standard procedures, the associated risks, and other crucial aspects.

What is the Meaning of Open-Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery refers to a type of heart surgery that requires the surgeon to make a large incision in the chest to expose the heart for the required surgery. The breastbone is cut, and a rib spreader spreads the ribs. Once the patient’s heart is exposed, it is placed on a heart-lung bypass machine to maintain blood flow.

This machine takes over the functions of the heart, and the heart is made to stop beating for the surgeon to perform the surgery. After the procedure is done, the blood flow is returned to the heart, and the breastbone is closed with a wire, which is left inside. The surgeon stitches the original incision.

Healthcare providers prefer open heart surgery only if the patient is strong enough to tolerate the procedure, or else they turn towards smaller, less invasive methods. The time required for open-heart surgery depends on the procedure being performed; some may take up to 6 hours or longer.

What are the Standard Procedures Done During an Open Heart Surgery?

The most common procedure during open-heart surgery is CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft). However, several other procedures can be performed, such as:

• Repair of aneurysms
• Heart transplant in case of heart failure
• Heart valve replacement in case of heart valve disease
• Repair of congenital heart diseases, such as an atrial septal defect
• Left ventricular assist device placement
• Total artificial heart placement

How is a Patient Prepared Before an Open-Heart Surgery?

The patient should follow the advice mentioned below before an open-heart surgery:

• Food: The patient is asked to fast before the surgery so that the anaesthesia given is safer for the individual.
• Medication: The surgical team will provide specific, personalized instructions on which medications to stop and when. It is critical to provide a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to your doctor. Do not stop any prescribed medication without their direct guidance.
• Alcohol and Smoking: The patient should quit smoking along with cutting back on alcohol to ensure speedy recovery and decrease the risk of complications.
• Sickness: Before the surgery, the patient should avoid contact with anyone who is sick, as it may increase the risk of post-surgery complications.

What Risks are Associated with Open Heart Surgery?

As open heart surgery is a critical operation, there are several risks associated with the procedure. They may include:

• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Arrhythmia
• Bleeding
• Damage to associated blood vessels
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to the given anaesthesia

However, the risks increase if the person under consideration has the following medical conditions:

• Peripheral artery disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Obesity

Apart from this, smokers are more likely to face surgical and post-surgical complications. Recovery is faster and easier if the person stays physically active and leads a healthy lifestyle.

Open heart surgery in India is a significant financial undertaking. In private hospitals, the cost for a procedure like a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or valve surgery typically ranges from ₹3,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 or more, depending on the hospital's tier, the surgeon's fee, the complexity of the procedure, and whether complications arise. Government hospitals and health schemes offer these procedures at a fraction of this cost.