Open Heart Surgery in Turkey

What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open heart surgery in Turkey involves opening the rib cage to access the heart muscle, with the blood flow redirected using a heart-lung bypass machine.

Indications for Open Heart Surgery:

• Repairing or replacing damaged heart valves.
• Implanting medical devices, such as pacemakers.
• Treating coronary artery disease.
• Managing heart failure.
• Repairing congenital heart defects (e.g., heart septal defects in children).
• Arterial grafting to replace damaged arteries, especially in aneurysms.
• Treating atrial fibrillation to restore normal heart rhythm.
• Heart transplant for end-stage heart failure.
• Occasionally performed as exploratory surgery after trauma causing internal bleeding in the chest.

Pre-Surgical Preparations and Precautions:

• Stop smoking: Avoid smoking at least 3–4 weeks before surgery.
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications: Stop medications like aspirin or heparin two weeks before surgery.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids the day before surgery.
• Fasting: Avoid food and drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• Medical tests: Complete blood count, blood sugar level, coagulation tests, liver and kidney function tests, ECG, and echocardiogram.

How is Open Heart Surgery Performed?

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to the patient.
2. Incision: A 20–25 cm incision is made along the chest.
3. Opening the rib cage: Some ribs are cut to provide better access to the heart.
4. Bypass: A heart-lung machine redirects blood flow, allowing the surgeon to operate on the heart.
5. Surgical procedure: Repairs or replacements (e.g., valve replacement or septal defect repair) are completed.
6. Closing the incision: The rib cage and chest incision are closed, with 2–3 drainage tubes placed to remove any fluid buildup.
7. Post-surgery: The patient is monitored in intensive care for 1–3 days, focusing on vital signs and urine output, followed by a 3–7 day stay in a regular room for recovery.

Complications and Risks of Open Heart Surgery:

• Anesthesia risks, such as circulatory shock or allergic reactions.
• Infection or inflammation of the surgical incision.
• Arrhythmias.
• Blood clots.
• Respiratory problems, such as pneumonia.
• Bleeding or hemorrhaging.
• Heart attacks or kidney failure.

Types of Open Heart Surgery:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Restores blood flow using grafts from the leg or chest.
• Heart Valve Repair or Replacement: Focuses on damaged valves like the aortic or mitral valve.
• Aortic Aneurysm Repair: Fixes or replaces the aorta to prevent rupture.
• Congenital Heart Defect Repair: Corrects structural heart defects present from birth.
• Cardiac Tumor Removal: Removes tumors from inside or around the heart.
• Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Prevents blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Techniques for Performing Open Heart Surgery:

1. Traditional Open Chest Surgery: Large incision in the chest, often with a heart-lung machine.
2. Off-Pump Surgery: Performed while the heart is still beating, without a bypass machine.
3. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Uses small incisions with special tools, reducing recovery time.
4. Catheter-Based Surgery: Involves inserting a catheter through blood vessels for procedures like valve replacement (TAVR).

Post-Surgery Recovery and Tips:

• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities during the early recovery phase.
• Medication: Follow the prescribed medications strictly.
• Wound care: Keep the surgical site clean and monitor for infection.
• Healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Light exercise: Engage in mild activities like walking to promote circulation.
• No smoking: Avoid smoking to support recovery.
• Emotional support: Seek help from family, friends, or mental health professionals if needed.

Conclusion

Open heart surgery in Turkey offers advanced care for various cardiac conditions with modern facilities and expert surgical teams. Following medical advice closely ensures better outcomes and smooth recovery.