The heart is an essential part of the body. Through its pumping action, the heart delivers nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to the body via the aorta and other blood vessels. Blood deficient in oxygen and nutrients return to the heart through blood vessels called veins. Once there, the heart ensures that this blood is oxygenated and sent back to the body. Cardiac or heart surgery may be necessary when there is a problem with the heart.
Indications
According to the National Heart, Lung ad Blood Institute, more than 500,000 cardiac surgeries are done annually in the United States. It is used to treat people with heart diseases that haven't responded to treatments such as medical procedures, drugs and lifestyle changes. Sometimes, it may be the only treatment that can address a heart disease.
Types
There are different types of cardiac surgery and they are based on the part of the heart that is being operated on. Valve repair or replacement surgery is done to treat dysfunctional heart valves. Cardiac bypass surgery, on the other hand, involves widening heart arteries that are narrow, or providing a new method of blood supply to the heart. Aneurysm repair surgery is another type of cardiac surgery. It is aimed at treating balloon like bulges in the arteries or on the walls of the heart. Cardiac surgery may also involve implanting devices such as the internal implantable cardioverter defibrillator or other cardiac assistive devices into the body.
Risks/Complications
Despite the benefits of cardiac surgery, it does have some risks. Some cardiac surgery complications are bleeding, infection, irregular heart beats, damage to heart, lungs and kidney, confusion and memory loss and having a reaction to anesthesia. People who are more likely to experience these complications are those who are already sick such as patients who have had previous heart surgeries, those who are 70 years or older and those with diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.
Important Equipment for Cardiac Surgery
According to the Texas Heart Institute Heart Information Center, for heart surgery to be possible, the heart has to be still. However, if the heart ceases to pump, blood supply to all parts of the body will stop and this can lead to dire consequences. A heart-lung machine, also known as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine, takes over the function of the heart during cardiac surgery, making it possible for surgeons to operate on a heart that is not moving.
Who Performs Cardiac Surgery
Cardiac surgery is headed by a cardiovascular surgeon, with the help of assisting surgeons. During cardiac surgery, a cardiovascular anesthesiologist is present for administration of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist also monitors the patient's breathing. A perfusion technologist--the member of the team who monitors the heart-lung machine--and specially trained cardiovascular nurses are also members of the cardiac surgery team.
