Things to Know About Heart Surgery
Benefits of CABG Surgery
Relief from chest pain
Improved exercise tolerance
Reduced dependence on medication
Lower risk of heart attack
Things to Know
About Heart Surgery
Understanding heart surgery is an important step in preparing for treatment and recovery. Knowing how the heart works, what causes heart disease, and the available surgical options helps patients make informed decisions with confidence.
About Heart Surgery
Heart surgery is performed to treat conditions affecting the heart’s valves, arteries, or structure. Broadly, heart surgeries are classified into two types:
Open Heart Surgery
Open heart surgery involves the use of a heart–lung machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. This allows the surgeon to operate on a motionless and bloodless heart with high precision.
Open heart surgery is commonly performed for:
- Valve repair or valve replacement
- Certain congenital (birth-related) heart defects
Selected coronary artery bypass surgeries
Closed (Beating Heart) Surgery
In closed heart or beating-heart surgery, the heart–lung machine is not used. The heart continues to beat and maintain circulation on its own during the procedure.
This approach is used for:
- Beating-heart coronary bypass surgery (off-pump CABG)
- Closed mitral valvotomy
- PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) closure
Treatment Options for Blocked Coronary Arteries
Angioplasty (PTCA): Balloon dilation (with or without stenting) for limited blockages
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): Recommended for multi-vessel or complex disease
Anatomy of the Human Heart
The heart is a hollow, muscular organ about the size of a clenched fist, located slightly to the left of the chest. It beats nearly 100,000 times a day, pumping blood continuously throughout life.
- The heart muscle is called the myocardium, which provides the pumping force.
- It requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, delivered by the coronary arteries.
- Heart Chambers
The heart has four chambers:
- Right atrium and right ventricle
- Left atrium and left ventricle
The right side pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
- Heart Valves
Four valves regulate blood flow:
- Mitral and aortic valves (left side)
- Pulmonary and tricuspid valves (right side)
The right side pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. The left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
- These valves act as one-way doors, ensuring smooth blood circulation.
Coronary Arteries & Coronary Artery Disease
The heart muscle receives blood through the coronary arteries, which originate from the aorta:
- Left Main → LAD (Left Anterior Descending) & LCx (Circumflex)
- Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
What Is Coronary Artery Disease?
With aging and risk factors, fat, cholesterol, and minerals deposit inside coronary arteries, forming plaques. These plaques:
- Narrow arteries (causing stable angina)
- May rupture and form clots, leading to heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Effects of Coronary Artery Disease
Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:
- Chest pain (angina pectoris)
- Fatigue and breathlessness
- Reduced exercise capacity
A sudden complete blockage can permanently damage heart muscle, reducing heart function.
Managing Key Risk Factors
Experience compassionate and expert cardiac care tailored to your individual needs, combining advanced treatment, personalized attention, and trusted medical excellence, because your heart health is always our highest priority.
Damages arteries silently. Controlled through:
- Weight loss
- Medication
- Reduced salt intake
- Exercise
- Reduces oxygen to the heart
- Lowers good cholesterol
- Narrows arteries
- Quitting smoking significantly reduces heart risk.
Stress releases adrenaline, increasing heart strain. Helpful techniques include:
- Deep breathing
- Walking
- Meditation
- Adequate rest
What Is Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery?
CABG creates new pathways for blood flow using arteries or veins taken from other parts of the body:
- Internal Mammary Artery (chest)
- Radial Artery (arm)
- Saphenous Vein (leg)
These grafts bypass blocked coronary arteries, restoring blood supply to the heart.
CABG can be performed:
- With heart–lung machine (on-pump)
- On beating heart (off-pump CABG)
The final decision is made by the surgeon based on real-time surgical findings.
Heart Valve Surgery Types, Causes & Treatment Options
Heart Chambers
Heart valve surgery is performed when valves fail to open or close properly due to:
- Rheumatic fever
- Infection
- Congenital defects
Valve Repair vs Valve Replacement
- Valve Repair: Preferred when feasible to preserve the natural valve
- Valve Replacement: Mechanical or tissue valves used when repair is not possible
Tissue Valves
- Made from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) tissue
- Do not require long-term blood thinners
- May wear out in 8–10 years
Beating Heart & Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery
Beating-heart bypass surgery avoids the heart–lung machine and is beneficial for patients with:
- Kidney disease
- Lung disease
- Weak heart function
Nearly 90–95% of patients are suitable, but final suitability is determined during surgery.
- On beating heart (off-pump CABG)
Know Your Risk Factors for Heart Disease
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes
- Smoke or are overweight
- Have high cholesterol
- Exercise less than 3 times a week
- Have a family history of early heart diseases
- Experience chronic stress
Expert Guidance & Surgical Care
Under the leadership of Dr. Ganesh Shivnani at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, patients receive evidence-based, ethical, and compassionate cardiac care—combining advanced technology with human touch.