Angioplasty and stenting procedures are generally relatively pain free, and most patients feel well enough to leave the hospital the same day or the next day after the procedure.
Heart Surgeries
More than a half million surgeries are done each year to correct heart problems in children and adults. One of the most common types of heart surgery performed is coronary artery bypass grafting, which uses a blood vessel taken from another part of the body to bypass a blocked artery and help prevent a heart attack. Another is heart valve replacement, used to repair heart valves that don't open and close properly. Heart surgery can be minimally invasive, such as when a small incision is made to the chest to insert a pacemaker. At the other extreme is open-heart surgery, which requires a large incision to the chest to open the rib cage and operate on the heart. Learn more about the different kinds of heart surgeries with expert advice from Sharecare.
Recently Answered
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Dr. Isaac George, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 2 Answers -
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St Francis Medical Center answeredA person with an aortic valve that is severely diseased or dysfunctional, meaning the valves can fail, is a candidate for aortic valve replacement. In fact, the basis of consideration of getting a valve replacement is determined on if the valve is severely dysfunctional and doesn’t open and/or close properly. Valves function like a doorway, and all the aortic valve does is open up and close so that the blood goes in where it should and in the direction that it should. The aortic valve is the last doorway before the blood leaves the left side of the heart. It's sort of a big, main pumping chamber for the entire body other than the lungs. If the valve isn't opening correctly, you can imagine what a problem that would cause for people. If the valve doesn't close normally, then when the blood gets ejected out of the heart, a lot of it can regurgitate or leak backwards. Another thing to consider during valve replacement is whether the dysfunctional valve is causing somebody symptoms or a problem that disrupt everyday activities, such as not feeling well or difficulty breathing. The other thing that can happen is the body can fill up with fluid, causing heart failure.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersAortic valve replacement surgery is a procedure to replace a damaged aortic valve, a part of the heart that controls the flow of blood from the lungs where it has been oxygenated out to the rest of the body. The aortic valve may need to be replaced in someone born with a defective valve, or someone whose aortic valve has stopped functioning properly due to disease, infection, narrowing of the aortic valve (stenosis) which can cause poor blood flow or other problem.
Symptoms of a poorly functioning aortic valve may include shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness or fainting. If your doctor determines that you have a failing aortic valve that needs to be replaced, you may have an option of choosing either a mechanical valve or a biological valve.
- Mechanical valves, made of plastic, carbon, or metal, are strong and usually long-lasting. If you receive this type of valve, your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medicines (called anticoagulants) for the rest of your life.
- Biological valves, made from animal or human heart tissue, or a graft of a person's own tissue, are usually not as strong as mechanical valves and typically last about 10 years before they need to be replaced. For this reason, they are often recommended for older people who need aortic valve replacement. People who receive biological valves usually do not need to take anticoagulant medications.
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St Francis Medical Center answeredSee All 4 Answers
There are many, but the biggest risks of aortic valve replacement surgery are death, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, requiring a pacemaker or requiring some other emergency surgery from complications. That's a short list of the bad complications. However, the chances of complications happening are so dependent on the characteristics of the patient, such as their age, sometimes gender and if they have other health problems. There's actually an online calculator that a lot of physicians, including myself, will use to punch in all the characteristics of a patient to calculate the risks that may occur during aortic valve replacement surgery. That calculator is called the Society of Thoracic Surgery (STS) Risk.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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Northside Hospital answeredSome minimally invasive heart procedures include the widespread use of angioplasty, or stenting procedures by cardiologists.
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Northside Hospital answeredSee All 2 Answers
When preparing for heart surgery, meet with the physician to ensure you're in the proper state of health. It's also important to maintain proper hygiene before heart surgery.
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Dr. Keshav R. Ramireddy, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered on behalf of Regional Medical Center Bayonet PointSee All 5 Answers
In this video, Dr. Keshav Ramireddy from West Florida Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point explains that high-risk and intermediate-risk patients are good candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
Find out more about this DVD:
Who Is a Good Candidate for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?
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1 AnswerA
Penn Medicine answeredAll heart surgery patients should enroll in a cardiac rehabilitation program close to home. These programs are arranged by your cardiologist; ask your cardiologist if a rehab program is right for you. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to monitor a patient’s return to physical activity post-surgery and provide the tools needed to lead a heart-healthy life. Cardiac rehabilitation programs include weight management, smoking cessation and emotional support groups. Patients should check with their insurance company about specific coverage for cardiac rehabilitation.
The main goals of cardiac rehabilitation include:
- increased mobility
- increased muscle strength and endurance
- improved physical well-being and health
- prevention of worsening of a condition
- instructions to continue your therapy program at home and prevent further injury
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Going back to work after aortic surgery is an individual decision. The stress of surgery, the medications given and the interruption of normal sleep patterns all require a bit of time to resolve. If your occupation requires important decision-making but not physical labor, three weeks off is usually enough. For those of you who need to do physical labor, six weeks off is necessary. If you are entitled to medical leave, it is generally advisable to take one month off from work.
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Dr. Francis X. Downey, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Aurora Health CareSee All 2 AnswersYour doctor will let you know when you can return to your normal activity level at your follow-up visit. Gradually increasing your activity over the next several weeks after heart surgery will help you to return to your previous levels of activity. Taking part in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation also will help guide you in returning to your previous level of activity.
General guidelines to follow:
- Lifting: You may lift up to 10 pounds after discharge from the hospital.
- Driving: Wait two weeks, or until your doctor permits. Patients should not drive if they are taking narcotic pain pills during the day.
- Stairs: You may take stairs. At first, take stairs slowly and avoid carrying objects up and down the stairs.
- Shoveling or snow blowing: Ask your doctor! Snow removal takes a large amount of energy.
- Going back to work: Ask your doctor. Jobs that involve more intense physical activity will require a longer period away from work.
- Sexual activity: You may resume sexual activity. A general guideline to follow is if you can walk up and down 24 steps you should have the physical stamina for sexual activity.