Cardiac surgeons explain heart surgery complications

The number of patients encountering heart problems is increasing every year and as a result, heart related surgeries is also significantly high. In India alone, thousands of patients are operated upon for heart problems every day, which accounts to a large number per year. To be precise, cardiac surgery besets different procedures conducted by a cardiac surgeon. To name some, it is done to repair or replace valves, widen affected arteries, instil devices to manage proper heart functioning and transplant heart.   

Usually, heart surgery is the final option for treating a cardiovascular issue, i.e. when medicines or drugs fail to provide positive feedback. As with any other surgery, heart surgery also contains some risks and complexities. Before setting up the whole process of a heart surgery, the patient is thoroughly examined with the objective to minimise after-surgery complications. Moreover, the patient should be aware of the recovery options and impediments of a cardiovascular surgery before giving his consent for the medical procedure.

The typical heart operation is referred to as open heart surgery, wherein the chest is cut open and all the deformities relating to heart are dealt with. Cardiac surgeons use a heart-lung bypass machine during the process that ensures proper functioning of the lungs and heart. But thanks to the big leaps taken by the medical industry, there are minimally invasive procedures available now. These procedures pose less risk than a traditional open heart surgery resulting in speedy recovery. Here is a list of complications, both minor and major which can be associated with a heart operation.

BLEEDING DURING THE OPERATION

Cardiac surgeons take plenty of care while operating upon a patient’s heart. Well, there is some sort of bleeding associated with every surgical procedure. But in some cases, excess bleeding occurs after the operation, which is normally addressed by then present professionals immediately. If there is any damage to the blood vessels, quick diagnosis is essential for survival.

HEART ATTACK

Increased stress experienced by the patient during the operation can lead to heart attack. It is by far the most common major complication of a bypass surgery. Heart attack is likely to be unambiguous in individuals with high blood pressure, choked blood vessels or disorder in heart muscles.

STROKE

Cardiac surgeons have reported some cases where patients suffer from blood clots resulting in no supply of oxygen to the brain. Hence, the patient is likely to endure a stroke. Speech impairment and paralysis are some of the potential consequences of a stroke. However, death is not ruled out either.

ISSUES WITH THE LUNGS

Lung functionality does get affected during a heart operation. Some of the complications include fluid accretion in the chest, breathing problems, respiratory tract infection, bleeding, lung failure etc. That is why cardiac surgeons use heart-lung bypass machine.

INCONSEQUENTIAL PROBLEMS

Heart surgeries may lead to not so worrying problems such as vomiting, swelling, bruising, skin allergy & numbness, nausea, scar formation, irregular heart beat and so on. These conditions don’t require much concern and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines or by following self-care tips.

On an ending note, the overall complications attributed with heart surgeries depends on the patient’s health, expertise of the cardiac surgeon, kind of operation and medical equipments. Nonetheless, getting a surgery performed by a qualified professional and taking prompt after-care are keys to reduce heart surgery complexities. 

What responsibilities do a cardiac surgeon undertakes?

A cardiac surgeon is a well trained, accredited healthcare professional who performs diverse surgical operations on human hearts. Helped by different speciality surgeons and nurse practitioners, he or she makes the best use of surgical and robotic equipments to implement intricate surgeries. Usually, he is required to perform emergency surgeries to save people from life threatening conditions but one has book an appointment prior to visiting him. Most surgeons practice with big, reputed hospitals and heart care centres, though some opt for private practice as well.

Surgeons operate on individuals with several health problems and those who have developed heart ailments due to bad eating habits, age, cancer, diabetes etc. A cardiac surgeon is responsible for conducting tests and examinations to detect the presence of any physical aberrations or functional problems, consult the patient and fellows about the test reports and determine if a surgery is obligatory. He conducts operations with utmost care, making sure the patient is safe. Post surgery, he himself and along with practising nurses monitor the vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate of the patient to ensure a successful surgery.

Some cardiac surgeons are expert in certain procedures. For instance, a paediatric cardiac surgeon operates on infants, small kids or adolescents. Others have specialised knowledge on procedures such as valve repair & replacement, robotic cardiac surgery, heart transplants and many more. Some professionals choose to study dummy hearts and other implants.

In order to become a qualified cardiac surgeon, a person should complete medical graduation followed by a four year doctoral program from a certified medical school. After that, he needs to serve as an intern at a hospital and assume a seven to ten year residency. The latter part of a surgeon’s residency is dedicated towards performing heart surgeries under close supervision of the senior professionals.

Since medical technology is evolving at a rapid pace, it requires cardiac surgeons to engage in regular education and stay updated on the latest evolvements. With an increasing population of old people and advent of new diseases, the demand for knowledgeable surgeons is on the rise. Patients prefer those with computer expertise as these days as the operative machinery requires data interpretation. 

Types of surgeries a cardiac surgeon performs

• One of the most prevalent surgeries is coronary artery bypass grafting. Cardiac surgeons repair the aneurysms to the aorta, which is the key vessel coming out of the heart.
• Another type of surgery is the replacement of a heart valve. There are four valves but most commonly only two valves, mitral and aortic are replaced. This surgery becomes relevant when there is inadequate blood flow to the heart affecting its proper functioning.
• Heart transplant operation is another type of cardiac surgery which is performed when a person suffers from heart failure. While the patient waits for a donor, a cardiac surgeon implants a ventricular assistive device. This is necessary for non-stop blood pumping. When the heart fails, it stops pumping blood to the body. The only way left is to go for a heart transplant.