Open-Heart Surgery: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery?

Open-heart surgery is a sophisticated procedure performed by a highly qualified and experienced surgeon. As the patient arrives at the hospital, the doctors take several steps to ensure safety, comfort, and the best results. Before the surgery, patients undergo a medical checkup, consult with a Heart Surgery Doctor in India, and go through diagnostic tests like blood tests, ECGs, or imaging scans. The next step is the placement of an intravenous line and the administration of anaesthesia. The surgery begins with the incision reaching the heart and then connects to a heart-lung bypass machine. After the surgery, the patient is moved to the ICU. Here is a detailed guide on open heart surgery – and what happens during the day of the procedure in detail by Dr. Sujay Shad.

1. Pre-surgery preparation

Pre-surgery preparation is crucial for effective and secure surgery. It includes medical evaluation, diagnostic tests, fasting instructions, anaesthesia consultation, medication adjustment, and pre-operative instructions.

a. Medical evaluation: Medical evaluation is an essential step before open-heart surgery. It reduces the risk of complications during the procedure and helps in quick recovery. Medical evaluation includes both the patient’s medical history, like diabetes, hypertension, or any heart disease, and current medical status. Additionally, physical examination is also done, such as stethoscopic examination, heart rate, and blood pressure.

b. Diagnostic test: Diagnostic tests are important before open-heart surgery to get information about heart function and the degree of its complexity. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and chest X-rays determine the heart condition.

c. Fasting instructions: Following the fasting instructions is essential to minimize the risk and complications. It is suggested not to eat or drink at least 8–12 hours before the surgery. It also depends on the surgical procedure. Drinking can be allowed 2 hours before the surgery in some cases. Patients should discuss their medications with the healthcare team.

d. Anesthesia consultation: Anesthesia consultation is a necessary step to risk-free surgery. Anesthesiologists assess the medical condition of the patient, like diabetes, blood pressure, or any heart problem. They explain the mechanism and its function.

e. Medication adjustment: Patients are suggested to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, as they increase the risk of complications due to excessive bleeding during the surgery. Patients should discuss their medical health with the healthcare team so that they can adjust their medication and ensure safe surgery.

2. Anesthesia and Monitoring

Anaesthesia and monitoring are both essential aspects of open-heart surgery, making patients unconscious and feeling painless during the procedure. Anaesthesia is administered before the surgery through an intravenous line. It numbs the target area and reduces the pain and discomfort. The team of anesthesiologists monitors the patient’s condition, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Additionally, certain devices are connected to the patient, like an ECG to monitor the heart rhythm. These help to maintain stability during the procedure and ensure successful outcomes.

3. The surgical process

The surgical process of Open Heart Surgery in Delhi is multifaceted. It includes incision and access, attachment of a heart-lung bypass machine, repair or replacement of a diseased or damaged heart, restarting the heart, and closing the incision.

a. Incision and access: Incision is the primary step in open-heart surgery. A surgeon makes a vertical incision down the middle of the chest with precision. It divides the breastbone, called the sternum, into two parts. It helps the surgeon to reach the heart. After the incision, they perform complex surgery like coronary artery bypass grafting or valve repair.

b. Heart-lung bypass: The heart-lung bypass machine is connected during the surgery. It takes over the heart and lung’s function as the heart stops for surgery. It circulates the oxygenated blood throughout the body. It is removed when surgery is completed.

c. Repair or replacement: The heart is either repaired or replaced depending on the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s recommendations. The surgeon repairs the heart by removing the blockages. In severe cases, a diseased heart is replaced with a healthy heart.

d. Restarting the heart: After the repair or replacement of the heart, the heart begins to work. The surgeon disconnected the heart-lung machine and removed it.

e. Closing the incision: At the end, the surgeon closes the incision and secures it with surgical wires.

4. Immediate post-surgery care

Immediate post-surgery care is crucial to protect the surgical site from damage and reduce the risk of complications. It includes intensive care unit transfer, ventilator support, monitoring, and pain management. Patients are moved to the ICU to monitor the patient’s condition after the surgery. They provide ventilator support to the patients so that they do not struggle with breathing issues. Administered pain reliever medications through intravenous medication to reduce pain.

Open-heart surgery is done with planning and preparations like medical intervention, diagnostic tests, fasting instructions, anaesthesia consultation, medication adjustment, and pre-operative instructions at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital under the expert care of Heart Surgery Doctor in India, Dr. Sujay Shad. Additionally, anaesthesia administration, monitoring its effects, surgical procedures, and immediate post-surgery care are vital steps for open-heart surgery. Consult with the renowned surgeon Dr. Sujay Shad to learn more!