Open heart surgery is a cardiac surgical procedure in which the chest is opened and the heart is operated on while the patient is supported on a heart-lung (cardiopulmonary bypass) machine, which takes over the functions of the heart and lungs during the procedure. The heart is typically stopped to allow the surgeon to work inside it.
Open heart surgery is used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to bypass blocked coronary arteries, valve repair or replacement, correction of congenital heart defects, heart transplantation, and operations on the aorta. Procedures that do not require entering the heart chambers are called closed heart surgery.
Recovery involves time in the intensive care unit and high-dependency unit, followed by a ward stay and then weeks to months at home. Sternal wound healing (the breastbone is divided and then wired closed) takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks, during which lifting and driving restrictions apply. Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended after major cardiac surgery.
For a comprehensive description of the procedure, the heart-lung bypass machine, and post-operative care, see Open Heart Operation.
« Back to Glossary Index