At first instance, even hearing the term ‘heart surgery’ can sound quite scary and complicated. Often perceived as a last-resort procedure, heart surgery is a widespread practice performed by skilled doctors daily. For those facing heart issues, understanding the intricacies of heart surgery and the responsibilities of heart surgeon specialists can help alleviate anxiety and help them make informed decisions about their heart health. Keep reading to learn more. 

Understanding Heart Surgery

Heart surgery is typically performed to address various issues about the heart, from coronary artery disease to congenital heart defects. It is also performed in an emergency, such as a heart attack. As a whole, heart surgery aims to repair or replace damaged parts of the heart, restore it to a normal functioning level, and improve the patient’s quality of life. The complexity of heart surgery varies widely, from minimally invasive procedures to open-heart surgery, where the chest is opened, and the heart is directly operated upon. 

A commonly performed heart procedure is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), which involves rerouting blood around clogged arteries to improve blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Another critical procedure is valve repair or replacement, which is essential for maintaining the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. For those with irregular heartbeats, pacemaker implantation or ablation therapy can help restore normal rhythm and prevent complications. 

The Role Played by Heart Surgeon Specialists

A heart surgeon specialist is a doctor who has years of specialised training and education in performing surgery on the heart and major blood vessels around it. They typically spend a considerable amount of time perfecting their skills before performing surgeries independently. 

They must have a deep understanding of the heart’s anatomy and physiology, paired with the dexterity and precision required for surgery. A heart surgeon specialist also must stay abreast of recent developments in medical technology and surgical methods, ensuring that their patients receive quality attention and care. 

Heart surgeon specialists generally fall into two categories, such as: 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon: A cardiothoracic surgeon specialises in surgical procedures within the thoracic cavity such as the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and trachea. Their primary focus is on diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries, and congenital or acquired conditions affecting these organs. Common procedures include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, lung resections, and surgeries to treat oesophageal conditions or thoracic cancers. 

Congenital/Paediatric Heart Surgeon: A congenital/paediatric heart surgeon specialises in correcting heart defects in infants, children, and sometimes adults with congenital heart conditions. These conditions are present at birth and can include structural abnormalities such as holes in the heart, malformed valves, or defects in the heart’s walls and blood vessels. The primary focus of a congenital/paediatric heart surgeon is to repair these defects to improve heart function and the patient’s overall health. 

Preparing for Heart Surgery

Preparing for heart surgery is a procedure that begins long before a patient enters the surgical theatre. It starts with recognising symptoms, consulting the advice of a heart surgeon specialist, and undergoing diagnostic tests to ascertain certain issues. 

Common symptoms indicating heart issues include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, and fatigue. If these symptoms persist, it’s necessary to seek immediate medical advice. 

Once a heart condition is diagnosed, the next step is choosing the correct heart surgeon specialist, as their expertise significantly impacts the surgery’s outcome. Patients should seek referrals, read reviews, and meet with potential surgeons. They can discuss their experience, and understand their approach to alleviate any anxiety, build trust and provide reassurance. 

Before heart surgery, patients need to adopt necessary lifestyle changes, take prescribed medication if necessary, and undergo certain pre-surgery procedures to stabilise their condition. During this time, patients and their families must be emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for the surgery and post-surgery. 

The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, a heart surgeon specialist and their surgical team comprising anaesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians ensure that every aspect of the heart surgery is meticulously planned and executed. 

The patient is administered anaesthesia at first, making them unconscious and pain-free throughout the entire surgery. The surgical team then proceeds with the procedure, their every move guided by years of training and experience. progressive technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgery and real-time imaging, enhance the surgeon’s precision, minimise risks and ensure positive outcomes. 

Post-Surgery and Recovery

Despite heart surgery being a commonly performed procedure, it is still a significant enough surgery that requires a slow and gradual recovery process to ensure that the patient doesn’t suffer any post-surgery complications. A patient is usually closely monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital after surgery, to ensure stability and recovery or to manage any complications that may arise. Gradually, they are moved to a regular hospital room, where they begin rehabilitation, including gentle exercises, breathing techniques, and necessary dietary adjustments. 

The heart surgeon specialist remains a vital part of the recovery journey, providing follow-up care, monitoring progress, and adjusting treatment plans where necessary. Patients are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles, incorporating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management techniques. Additionally, support from family, friends, and caregivers plays a significant role in the healing process. 

Specialised Heart Care at Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist

It’s no secret that heart surgery is a testament to the amazing capabilities of medicine and healthcare and the expertise and experience of a heart surgeon specialist. For those facing the prospect of heart surgery, it helps to understand the procedure and the immense amount of expertise involved, as this can alleviate anxiety and fear, and ensure that they are more comfortable and relaxed. 

Prospective patients in Singapore may turn to the services of a heart surgery specialist such as Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist. Located in Gleneagles Medical Centre, the surgery specialist counts 22 years of experience in cardiac and thoracic care and has been offering effective treatments for those with coronary artery and faulty heart valve diseases as well as lung and chest diseases. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of concern and would simply like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the surgery centre.