Open heart surgery
Definition
Open heart surgery is any surgery where the chest is opened and surgery is performed on the heart. The term "open" refers to the chest, not the heart itself. The heart may or may not be opened, depending on the type of surgery.
The definition of open heart surgery becomes confusing in light of new procedures being performed on the heart through smaller incisions. There are some new surgical procedures being performed that are done with the heart still beating.
Minimally invasive heart surgery (MIDCAB, OPCAB, RACAB), including robotic-assisted heart surgery, is still considered open heart surgery. However, these procedures are being used in some patients as an alternative to open heart surgery requiring the heart-lung machine.
See also:
Alternative Names
Heart surgery - open
Description
Open heart surgery includes surgery on the heart muscle, valves, arteries, or other structures.
A heart-lung machine (also called cardiopulmonary bypass) is usually used during conventional open heart surgery. It helps provide oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs. The machine also:
- Provides anesthesia to keep the patient asleep during surgery
- Pumps
- Removes carbon dioxide from the blood
- Supplies oxygen
Review Date:
5/15/2008
Reviewed By:
Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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