A cardiac surgical procedure, also known as cardiovascular surgery or heart surgery, encompasses a range of surgical interventions performed to treat various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It involves intricate surgical techniques and requires a skilled cardiac surgeon and a specialized team.
Cardiac surgical procedures are conducted to correct or alleviate abnormalities in the heart's structure or function. These procedures aim to improve blood circulation, restore cardiac health, and ultimately enhance the patient's quality of life. They may be performed on both adults and children.
Common cardiac surgical procedures include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which involves bypassing narrowed or blocked coronary arteries to restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Another procedure is valve repair or replacement surgery, in which damaged or malfunctioning heart valves are repaired or replaced with artificial valves. Additionally, cardiac surgeries may involve repairing congenital heart defects, repairing or replacing diseased blood vessels, or implanting devices such as pacemakers or cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
These surgical interventions are typically performed under general anesthesia, wherein the patient is unconscious. The surgeon accesses the heart through an incision in the chest, and the patient's blood may be circulated using a heart-lung machine during the procedure. Post-operative care is crucial, and patients undergo a period of recovery, including rehabilitation and close monitoring of their heart function.
In conclusion, a cardiac surgical procedure is a complex and specialized intervention aimed at correcting abnormalities and improving the function of the heart and blood vessels.
