Heart surgery procedures
We carry out the following surgical heart procedures.
Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)
Sometimes one or more valve can be damaged or diseased. They may not open properly and can obstruct the flow of blood; this is known as valve stenosis. Alternatively they may not close properly, which causes blood to flow in the opposite direction; this is known as regurgitation.
These abnormalities can place an increased strain on the heart as it has to work harder to push blood through the narrowed valve (stenosis). This can cause the heart to become thickened and enlarged and can also put pressure on the lungs. The most common symptoms are chest pain, breathlessness, fainting and palpitations.
Leaking valves can occur suddenly or over time; the symptoms are similar to a narrowed valve.
Without treatment, the heart muscle can be permanently damaged. The most common valves to be affected are the aortic and mitral valves; these can either be repaired or replaced.
Your surgeon will make a cut down the front of your chest and through the breastbone to access your heart. Your blood circulation will be supported by a heart bypass machine, which allows the heart to be still in order to repair or replace the damaged valve. If you are having a replacement valve, your damaged valve will be removed and a new valve will be sewn into place.
Types of artificial valves
You will receive either a mechanical (metal), biological (tissue) or homograft valve. Your surgeon will discuss the best valve for you and your condition.
Your surgeon will discuss the best choice of valve for you. This depends on many factors such as age (e.g. female of child bearing age), other medical conditions, tendency to bleed, alcohol intake, contraindications to anti- coagulants, lifestyle and patient preference.
After valve surgery
The blood flow in your heart will be corrected, improving your symptoms, and you can return to normal activities. Your cardiologist will review you every year and check on your valve function.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Operation
A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) operation is one of the most common heart operations performed. The procedure will bypass blockages in the coronary arteries. Blockages occur when fatty deposits build up in the artery, causing it to narrow. This is shown by the coronary angiogram investigation performed by your Cardiologist.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. When one or more of these arteries become blocked, you may experience chest pain, also known as angina. If the coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack occurs. To relieve these symptoms and improve your chances of living longer, a CABG operation is advised. Your cardiologist and surgeon will only recommend surgery if other options, like medication or angioplasty (inserting a stent to open the narrowing) are not appropriate for you.
The coronary artery bypass graft operation uses extra blood vessels, sewn to your narrowed coronary arteries, to ‘bypass’ the narrowed area and bring blood to the heart muscle. Spare arteries and veins in your arm, legs or behind your breastbone can be used as a graft. There are other vessels that supply these areas of the body, so the blood supply is not compromised after the graft is taken.
Your surgeon will make a cut down the front of your chest and through the breastbone to access your heart. Your blood circulation will be supported by a heart bypass machine; this allows your heart to be still in order to put the grafts in place. Occasionally, bypass grafts can be done without the use of the heart bypass machine; this is not suitable for all patients - your surgeon will discuss this with you.