New Alternative to Open Heart Surgery-Revealed

We are in the era of globalization and technological developments. It is in this very era that heart disease and other severe illnesses that were previously afflicted to a handful of people, are now spreading like an epidemic across nations. Every year, millions are spent on medicines and drugs, and innumerable lives are claimed owing to heart disease. Interventional cardiologists around the world have been busy conducting open heart surgeries on heart patients. There is also a new minimally invasive technique, which when put to use, is expected to help many patients recover faster and face a much lower risk of side effects. Let us first have a look at open heart surgery for a better comparison to the minimally invasive technique. Read on…

Open heart surgery: During an open heart surgery, it is necessary for the cardiologist to make sure your body receives a constant supply of blood while he is operating on the heart. This is done by using a machine known as ‘heart-lung’ machine. This machine constantly sends a fresh supply of blood to your lungs and other organs while the surgeon makes an incision in your chest wall and divides your muscles to work on your heart.

The surgery is then carried out depending on the patient’s condition. Sometimes, the surgery is robot assisted to ensure precision of the operation.

Keyhole surgery: Minimally invasive surgery, also known as keyhole surgery, is the new age technology that is now helping both patients and surgeons get over prior tedious procedures and recovery.

Mitral regurgitation, a condition wherein the mitral valve ceases to function properly thereby allowing backflow of blood into the heart, is now posing a serious threat to millions all over the globe. Open heart surgery was thought to be one of the treatments for this condition, but now, with the introduction of this minimally invasive technique, the scenario has changed.

Many patients are now benefiting from this no-fuss technique wherein the valve is compelled to work properly by the introduction of a clip. This clip, unlike open heart surgeries requiring incisions, can be inserted through a catheter which is passed inside the body through the groin. This procedure is extremely beneficial for those who have weaker hearts and for those in whom traditional surgery could be dangerous to life.

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Source-Medindia