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Cardiac surgery treats patients who need operations on their heart. Learn what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Heart surgery can treat different problems, such as blocked arteries, damaged heart valves, or irregular heartbeats. It may be done in different ways depending on your condition and health:
Arteries are the blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your cells. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It begins at the heart and runs through the chest and abdomen.
An aortic arch replacement fixes the curved part of the aorta that carries blood from the heart to the body. It may be done if this part of the aorta is weak, bulging, infected, blocked by plaque, or torn. The damaged section is replaced with a special tube called a graft during surgery. It helps blood flow normally again.
An aortic root replacement repairs the part of the aorta that connects to the heart. It may be done if the aortic root is weak, bulging, infected, or torn. During surgery, the damaged section and the aortic valve are replaced with a tube that has a new valve built in. The new valve can be mechanical (made of metal) or biological (made from cow tissue).
This surgery repairs the lower part of the aortic arch or the section of the aorta that goes through the chest. It is sometimes called a frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure. It may be done if the aorta is weak, torn, narrow, or underdeveloped. The damaged area is replaced with a graft to make the aorta stronger and improve blood flow.
A valve-sparing aortic root replacement fixes the part of the aorta that connects to the heart. It is used when this area is weak, bulging, or torn. It can also help people with bicuspid aortic valve disease or Marfan syndrome. This surgery lets you keep your own heart valve, so you do not have to take blood thinners.
Cardiac bypass surgery is the most common type of open-heart surgery. The goal is to restore blood flow to the heart. This improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Cardiac bypass surgery may also be called:
The heart has four valves that open and close tightly. They make sure blood flows through the heart properly.
Sometimes, surgeons can fix your heart valve instead of replacing it. At times, more than one valve may need to be repaired.
Our team can also do transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It is a procedure done without major surgery. A thin tube called a catheter goes in through your groin to reach your heart. Most people can go home the same day.
TAVI is usually for people who cannot have open-heart surgery or are high risk.
This surgery replaces calcified heart valves. One or more valves can be replaced during surgery.
Your surgeon will replace your valve with either:
They will talk with you and your loved ones about your options before surgery.
You may wait for surgery while staying in hospital or at home. Our heart surgery booklet shares detailed information about:
Your blood plays an important role in your health. We take steps to protect it before, during, and after your operation.
These steps help you heal safely. They may also lower your chance of needing a blood transfusion. Ask your care team if you have any questions.
Our goal is for you to be able to return home to your loved ones and get back to doing the things that you love. By working with your healthcare team and taking an active role in your surgery and recovery, you can heal faster, safer, and easier.
Here are some other tools that can help you as you recover:
(available on Apple App Store or Google Play)
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