Open-heart surgery used to be a frightening affair but with the introduction of new-age technology, this procedure can now be performed while the patient is conscious or partly under anesthesia. Let’s examine this more closely.
Traditionally, open-heart surgery was quite a frightening affair. The surgeon had to make significant incisions to reveal the heart. It was a terrifying and complicated procedure, leading many to take their chances against heart disease.
However, fast forward to today, and everything is changing with the introduction of new-age technology. The advancements in heart surgery have made the procedure less complicated, allowing it to be performed while the patient is conscious or partly under anaesthesia.
Before, open-heart surgery required large incisions, with surgeons cutting through the breastbone and spreading the ribs to reach the heart.
After the surgery, surgeons would use cords and steel wires to reconstruct part of the damaged chest wall. It was a scary and time-consuming process, and patients took several weeks to recover.
In contrast, minimally invasive heart surgery involves making smaller, 2-inch incisions between the ribs without breaking any bones. This method is used to treat various health issues such as congenital heart disease, cardiac tumors, atrial septal defect, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and more.
1. Patients may be able to supervise the process.
While it’s typical for patients to undergo anaesthesia for most cardiac surgeries, there is a new variation that allows the patient to stay awake during the procedure. The chest area is partially numbed and the surgeons proceed while the patient is conscious.
This approach, commonly known as wideawake surgery, has been known since at least 2000 when a 51-year-old man underwent conscious coronary artery bypass graft surgery, marking a significant milestone as one of the earliest cases of conscious heart surgery in the US.
Wideawake surgery allows the patient to be more actively involved in the process, enabling them to monitor intricate details and potentially improving their confidence in the procedure. Additionally, it can help mitigate cases of surgeon misconduct.
2. Faster recovery times.
Typically, larger incisions take longer to heal. However, with minimally invasive heart surgery, patients can recover quickly and get back on their feet within just a few hours after the procedure. This is because the smaller incisions heal faster and cause significantly less tissue damage compared to traditional heart surgery.
Additionally, patients recover faster from minimally invasive heart procedures due to the reduced or partial use of anaesthesia. This helps to eliminate lasting side effects such as dizziness, aches, pains, soreness, headaches, itchiness, and more. With anaesthesia minimized and smaller incisions, patients can resume their normal activities much sooner.
3. Better quality of life.
The procedure can help correct heart defects in the patient, potentially reducing the progression of heart disease or eliminating it altogether. Ultimately, this can lead to an increase in life expectancy and provide a sense of relief for the patient knowing the problem has been fixed.
In addition to prolonging life, this can also have a positive impact on mental well-being, leading to improved emotional and physical health. Furthermore, correcting these heart problems may help the patient regain a sense of normalcy, enabling them to engage in activities they were previously unable to do and leading to a greater sense of contentment in their lives.
4. Lower risk of complications.
Medpark Hospital reports that 80% of the patients they encounter are low-risk heart patients, making them prime candidates for minimally invasive heart surgery. This procedure can be extremely beneficial as it shows great potential in helping physicians and patients find a more permanent fix.
Since this surgery involves minimal disturbance of heart tissues and chest damage, there is naturally less risk of developing surgery complications such as profuse bleeding, stroke, incision site inflammations, and venous thromboembolism. With a smaller incision surface area to work with, there is also less risk of patients developing problems at the incision site, such as infections, swelling, and bleeding.
5. More affordable treatment.
The cost of open-heart surgery can easily exceed $200,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and other unique factors. This high cost has prevented many people from accessing the necessary quality treatment in a timely manner, leading to tragic consequences.
However, minimally invasive heart surgeries are changing this situation by reducing the complexity of the procedure, which helps lower the overall cost. This approach also results in shorter hospital stays and reduces the risk of readmissions due to fewer complications.
In summary, these advancements are helping to remove financial barriers and empower patients with limited financial resources to receive the treatment they need without incurring overwhelming expenses.
Minimally invasive heart surgery empowers patients by giving them more control and visibility over the procedure. This means spending less time in the hospital bed and more time on the road to recovery. Minimally invasive heart surgery sets the bar for modern cardiac care by improving recovery rates and engaging patients in cardiac care.
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