Cardiovascular surgery deals with the heart, along with the 4 major vessels and peripheral arteries. Cardiology, on the other hand, focuses on studying diseases related to the heart and circulatory system.
Cardiologists play a role in diagnosing and treating conditions such as heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertension. Depending on the case, if medication is not sufficient, they manage operational procedures like angioplasty.
Within the scope of cardiovascular surgery, various methods are applied to adult heart vascular diseases, including open and closed surgery, robotic surgery, and endovascular methods. It is a multidisciplinary field where high-risk patients can be treated with advanced technology and various methods.
Cardiology is an internal medicine field that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and circulatory system diseases. Important heart diseases among others include:
The heart and blood vessels, vital organs, support overall health by transporting oxygen, and nutrients, and removing waste products. Conditions such as heart attacks, heart valve diseases, and coronary artery disease are areas where cardiovascular surgery effectively intervenes. Vascular surgery specializes in the treatment of vascular diseases such as artery blockages, aneurysms, and varicose veins. Emergencies and life-threatening cardiovascular problems may require rapid and effective surgical intervention.
The interventions performed here can be life-saving. Cardiovascular surgery can improve the quality of life for patients. For example, opening blocked arteries or repairing heart valves can help patients lead a more active life. Patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases require long-term healthcare; cardiovascular surgery contributes to the effective management of these conditions. Technological advancements enable safer and more effective procedures in cardiovascular surgery.
Cardiovascular surgery, or cardiovascular surgery, is a branch used in the treatment of the following diseases:
Several different procedures are performed within cardiovascular surgery, some of which are more comprehensive and require special attention. One of the primary types of surgery is known as coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This operation is performed to open or bypass blockages in coronary arteries. Typically, the chest is opened, and the heart is temporarily stopped while a heart-lung machine is used to pump blood to the body. Grafts taken from vessels are used to bypass blocked arteries and improve blood flow.
Another important cardiovascular surgery procedure is heart valve replacement or repair. It is performed to correct narrowing or leakage in heart valves. A damaged valve can be repaired or surgically replaced. This operation is often referred to as open-heart surgery and is performed when the heart needs to be stopped. Additionally, aneurysm repairs are also part of cardiovascular surgery. An aneurysm is the expansion of a weak point in the blood vessel wall. Surgical intervention involves repairing or replacing the aneurysm and usually requires open-heart surgery.
Open-heart surgery in heart and vascular surgery typically involves a major surgical intervention and requires the stopping of the heart. In the preoperative preparation stage, the patient is usually put to sleep under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a sternotomy (a cut in the breastbone) to open the chest and gain access to the heart and blood vessels.
Next, the patient's heart is stopped, and during this time, a heart-lung machine comes into play. This machine takes in oxygen from the body, cleans carbon dioxide, and temporarily takes over the pumping of blood, a function normally performed by the heart. After stopping the heart, the surgeon typically performs necessary interventions for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or other heart and vascular issues. In CABG surgery, blocked coronary arteries are bypassed, creating new routes (bypasses) to improve blood flow.
At this stage of heart surgery, if necessary, heart valves are repaired or replaced. Valve replacement or repair may be needed due to narrowing or leakage in the valves. In the final stage of the operation, the surgeon initiates a process to restart the heart and disconnect the patient from the heart-lung machine. The heart is usually restarted using electric shocks or special medications. Finally, the sternotomy incision is closed and stitched. This stage is crucial to heal the surgical area and reduce the risk of infection. Surgical wire or other materials are often used to support the patient's breastbone. For all your questions and detailed information about cardiology departments, you can reach out to Phoenix Healthy.
A cardiac stent is a small metal tube used to open and keep narrowed or blocked blood vessels open.
The recovery process after cardiac surgery includes the patient being typically monitored in the intensive care unit and then participating in a rehabilitation program.
Methods for preventing cardiovascular diseases include healthy eating, regular exercise, not smoking, and regular check-ups.
