Preview: Atrial myxoma surgery is a type of surgery performed by cardiothoracic surgeons to remove benign heart tumours. It is performed through an open, minimally invasive, or robotic-assisted approach under the influence of general anaesthesia for 1-2 hours. The average recovery duration ranges from a few weeks to a few months.

Surgical Steps:

• The surgeons conduct a thorough evaluation with an in-depth medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and detailed preoperative instructions.
• This procedure involves the removal of the tumour through a small chest incision and carefully dissecting the heart tissues. The patient is monitored along with the tubes in the chest for drainage.
• The recovery phase varies with every approach; a minimally invasive video-assisted procedure involves faster healing and minimal pain compared to an open procedure. Post-operative care involves pain management, incision care, activity restrictions, and gradually increasing the routine.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive
• Minimum to no blood loss
• Faster recovery
• Minimum hospital stays

Read more about – Atrial Myxoma Excision

Preview: AFib ablation uses radiofrequency to create incisions in the heart, correct cardiac arrhythmias, and long-lasting symptom relief. It includes different techniques such as radiofrequency, cryoablation and laser ablation.

Surgical Steps:

• Prior to AFib ablation, the patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including an ECG and other imaging tests.
• This minor procedure is performed in a cath lab under general anaesthesia; a catheter then releases radio waves to ablate the specific tissues, causing irregular rhythms. The procedure lasts for 2–6 hours. Post-surgery, the patients are monitored for 1-2 days and are advised against certain activity restrictions and medications.
• Follow-up appointments are crucial for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the ablation and managing the pain accordingly.

Benefits:

• Restores the normal heartbeats
• Relief from long-lasting symptoms
• Reduces the stroke-related complications
• MIS with quick recovery

Read more about – Atrial Fibrillation Ablation (AFib)

Preview: Atrial septal defect (ASD) closure repairs the hole between the heart’s upper chambers using a device or surgical closure, depending on the size and location of the opening. It’s a major surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia for a few hours on young children based on the complexity of their condition to avoid any future cardiac damage.

Surgical Steps:

• This surgery demands a pre-surgical evaluation, including an echocardiogram, and a discussion regarding potential prescription adjustments and fasting requirements.
• The surgeon uses an endoscope to access the heart through the chest. Also, it utilises a heart-lung machine and vital monitoring to close the incision with a plug or a suture.
• The patient stays hospitalised for 1-2 days. The surgeon may advise you to take the medication for 6 months to avoid any infections and rest from any heavy lifting.

Benefits:

• Improves heart functions
• Reduces the risk of complications
• Alleviates fatigue and palpitations
• Offers MI transcatheter closure
• Long-term cardiac health improvements

Read more about – Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Closure

Preview: This surgery uses a catheter-mounted balloon to stretch the heart valves wide open in patients with age-related nerve stiffness, inflammation, and congenital defects.

Types of Balloon Valvuloplasty:

• Balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure that opens the narrowed heart valves through several categories, such as:
• Tricuspid valvotomy
• Pulmonary valvotomy
• Aortic valvotomy
• Percutaneous mitral valvotomy

Post-Surgical Care:

• Avoid heavy lifting for a week
• Engage in light walking
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Monitor for complications like insertion site issues or chest pain
• Regular cardiologist follow-ups

Preview: CRT-D, or cardiac resynchronisation therapy, involves implanting a specialised pacemaker to improve heart function. This procedure is recommended for patients at higher risk of sudden cardiac death.

Surgical Steps:

• The gynaecologist may discuss the procedure and prescribe certain medications prior to the surgery. Pre-surgical preparation to make the patient ready involves blood tests, ECGs, MRIs, and ultrasound.
• During the CRT-D implant, the device is threaded into the veins of the heart and a functioning defibrillator is placed under the collarbone.
• Patients stay overnight for constant monitoring with their left arm still and straight for the next 12 hours.
• The surgeons instruct their patients to undergo an EKG test to check heart rhythms and X-rays to trace lead placements.

Benefits:

• Improved heart function
• Reduced symptoms
• Increased survival rates
• Increases the exercise capacity

Read more about – Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT-D)

Preview: Cardiac resynchronization therapy synchronizes the heart contractions and improves the blood flow in patients with severe heart failure. CRT-P is recommended for patients with severe cardiac electrical conditions and is placed in combination with an ICD to prevent sudden cardiac death.

Surgical Steps:

• The surgeon may perform a heart MRI or transthoracic echocardiogram. CRT-P is a minor surgery performed under local anaesthesia for 2-5 hours. The procedure has a recovery period of 1-3 weeks.
• In this surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision, guides lead pellets through a vein to the heart, implants the device under the skin, and stitches the incision.
• Surgery requires patients to stay in the hospital overnight and keep their arms straight and still for 12 hours after surgery. Follow wound care and pain management instructions, and x-rays for heart rhythms.

Benefits:

• Improved quality of living
• Better blood supply
• Treats heart failure symptoms
• Promotes higher survival rates

Read more about – Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT-P)

Preview: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a minor, minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This procedure inserts a stent that opens up the narrowed carotid arteries, reduces stroke risks, and is the best alternative to methods of surgery.

Surgical Steps:

• During the surgery, the surgeon places a catheter through the groin, inflates the balloon and opens the narrowed arteries. After the catheter is removed, a stent is placed.
• After the surgery, the patient stays in the hospital for 24 hours for vital sign inspections and post-operative instructions are given, including prescription guidance.

Benefits:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery time
• Favourable for high-risk patients

Read more about – Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS)

Preview: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) redirects the bloodstream around the blocked coronary artery using grafts taken from different parts of the body. It alleviates symptoms like chest pain, reduces the risk of heart attack, and significantly improves the blood flow and the patient’s quality of life.

Surgical Steps:

• Before CABG, patients receive detailed procedure explanations, undergo pre-operative imaging, and are given fasting instructions.
• Under general anaesthesia, a chest incision is made, and vein grafting is performed during the 3-6-hour CABG procedure.
• Following CABG surgery, patients are closely monitored in the ICU and typically require a 7-8 day hospital stay, with strict adherence to follow-up appointments, whereas full recovery generally takes 6-12 weeks.

Benefits:

• Better for multiple blocks or certain deep blockages
• Lower risk for a follow-up procedure
• Reliable for treating ischaemia of the heart

Read more about – Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)

Preview: Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) procedures use catheters to diagnose and treat arrhythmias by tracing and correcting the abnormal electrical activity in the heart.

Surgical Steps:

During a cardiac electrophysiology (EP) study, catheters are inserted and guided to the heart using fluoroscopy. Their tips record the heart’s electrical activity, inducing arrhythmias and performing treatments like ablation to eliminate the cause of arrhythmia.

Benefits:

• Detailed information provider than an ECG
• Pinpoints the source of arrhythmias
• Risk assessment for cardiac death

Types of Electrophysiology Procedures:

• Catheter Ablation
• Peacemaker Implantation
• Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)
• Cardioversion

Preview: A heart transplant replaces a diseased heart with a healthy donor heart, offering a survival chance for patients with end-stage heart disease.

Surgical Steps: Upon donor heart availability, matching is done based on blood type, antibodies, and organ size, followed by transplant surgery, which involves connecting the patient to a heart-lung machine and replacing the diseased heart.

Post-Surgical Care: After the surgery, the patient may require weeks of hospital care and close outpatient monitoring, with the expenses influenced by the hospital choice and other factors.

Read more about – Heart Transplant