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difference between open heart surgery and closed heart surgery
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #20294
48 days ago
89

difference between open heart surgery and closed heart surgery - #20294

Divya

I am trying to wrap my head around what's going on with my dad. He's been having some major heart problems and they mentioned both open heart surgery and something called closed heart surgery. I dont even fully understand the difference between open heart surgery and closed heart surgery. The doctors seem really optimistic about moving forward, but I can't stop worrying. The other day we were sitting together, and he just looked really tired and weak after all these tests. They kept mentioning the bypass and valve replacements. Is open heart surgery way more invasive? I keep thinking about how it's a whole different ballgame than closed heart surgery. Like, do they literally cut through the chest for open? And with this closed heart surgery, what’s actually the deal? Can they fix things without such a big cut? I read somewhere that recovery times might be different too? My head is spinning! What should I be asking the doctors about the difference between open heart surgery and closed heart surgery? Are there risks that we should worry about with one over the other? Any tips for kinda understanding this better?

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Doctors' responses

Open heart surgery and closed heart surgery primarily differ based on the level of invasiveness and how access to the heart is achieved. In open heart surgery, the chest is indeed opened by cutting through the sternum to grant direct access to the heart. This is typically essential for more complex procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve replacements as mentioned in your dad’s case. The heart is usually stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over the job of pumping blood and oxygen during the operation. This type of surgery tends to be more invasive and often requires a longer recovery period. Patients generally stay in the ICU initially, followed by several weeks of restricted activity.

On the other hand, closed heart surgery involves operations that are done without stopping the heart or opening the chest in the same way. These procedures can often be done using minimally invasive approaches, such as small incisions or catheter-based techniques like angioplasty. Examples might include procedures to repair or replace certain heart structures without requiring a large incision, making use of technology like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Recovery time for closed heart surgery can be significantly shorter, and hospital stays are often reduced as well.

When speaking with the doctors, it would be good to ask about the specific risks associated with each type of surgery for your dad’s condition. Heart surgeries, regardless of method, carry inherent risks like bleeding, infection, or complications related to anesthesia. However, the choice between open and closed heart surgery typically depends on the specific condition being treated and the cardiac surgeon’s judgment. Consider inquiring about alternative treatment options, expected recovery times, how the surgery may impact his daily life, and any signs of complications to watch for once he’s home. Understanding the anticipated outcomes, any potential medical interventions post-surgery, and ensuring comprehensive aftercare arrangements can also be crucial.

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