Frequently Asked Questions
Open-heart surgery is one where the chest is opened and surgery is performed on the heart muscles, valves, arteries, or other heart structures. More often, such surgical procedures include using a heart-lung bypass machine to perform the work of the heart and lungs during the procedure. Continental Hospitals in Hyderabad is renowned for its expertise in open heart surgery, offering advanced treatment options with state-of-the-art facilities.
In the post-surgery stage of recovery, lean proteins such as fish, chicken, and legumes, whole grains like brown rice, fruits, and vegetables, healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, low-fat dairy like milk, low-fat yogurt, and cheese, and, of course, ample amounts of water need to be emphasized.
Under open-heart surgery, various techniques are employed to repair or replace heart valves, patch up any tears or congenital defects, implant medical devices to ensure a regular heartbeat rate, and conduct CABG to improve blood flow to the heart.
Nonsurgical measures to counteract heart blockage entail drugs that thin the blood, lower cholesterol, and reduce blood pressure; modifying risk factors like diet, exercise, and stopping smoking; and at least minimally invasive angioplasty with stenting.
The patient is prepared under general anesthesia, an incision is made in the chest, and the heart is accessed through this chest cut. Blood is circulated during surgery, like CABG or valve repair, by a heart-lung machine. The heart is restarted, the chest is closed, and the incision is sutured. Continental Hospital employs a highly trained team of cardiothoracic surgeons with significant expertise performing difficult open heart procedures. These professionals are trained in cutting-edge surgical procedures and technologies, resulting in high success rates and excellent patient outcomes.
Recovery time after open-heart surgery is about 6–12 weeks. It is normally followed by cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle changes like good nutrition and adequate exercise, and follow-up care, which will include follow-up visits with the cardiologist. Continental Hospitals prioritize comprehensive post-operative care, including intensive monitoring, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and nutritional guidance to ensure patient stability, aid in recovery, improve cardiovascular health, and support overall health.
Open-heart surgery is generally very successful. CABG has a survival rate of 98%. In valve repair and replacement, survival depends on the type of operation and the condition of the patient, but it ranges from 90% to 97%. Continental Hospital utilizes advanced operating theaters, advanced imaging technology, and a dedicated cardiac care unit, utilizing heart-lung bypass machines and minimally invasive surgical equipment for enhanced accuracy and safety.
Though a patient can undergo open-heart surgery as many times as possible, every other procedure after that is associated with an added risk. The number hence becomes subjective and depends on the overall health of the individual, the complexity of the surgeries involved, and the reasons that may warrant repeated procedures.
The cost of open-heart surgery in India will differ by the type of surgery, hospital, and city. Continental offers the best care with high success and a fast recovery rate. At Continental Hospitals, we prioritize patient-centred care, offering personalized treatment plans and compassionate care while working closely with patients and families for education, support, and follow-up care.