Open Heart Surgery

During birth, when structural abnormalities are present, cardiac defects like holes in the heart’s walls, improperly formed heart valves, or arterial malformations heavily affect blood flow and oxygen delivery. These structural problems often require complicated treatments to repair the heart and restore its function. An effective cardiac treatment, known as open-heart surgery, plays a significant role in treating these heart problems. Open-heart surgeries involve opening the chest so surgeons can easily treat the conditions of the heart with congenital defects. 

When an open-heart surgery is in operation, an important medical instrument that is being used is a heart-lung bypass machine. Its role is to temporarily take over the functions of the heart and lungs during the surgical procedure. As an incision is made through the breastbone, the heart-lung bypass machine will be used to reroute and oxygenate the blood. When the machine temporarily stops the functions of the heart, it allows surgeons to repair the heart muscles, heart valves, or heart vessels outside of the heart. After reparations are made, the heart-lung bypass machine is removed, allowing the heart to be started again. The breastbone and skin are then stitched up to complete the surgery. 

Post-surgical care is very crucial for children to fully recover. Children will spend several days in the intensive care unit, where they are closely monitored for any post-surgical complications or until their condition stabilizes. Recovery from open heart surgery may take up to six to eight weeks, during which physical activity is limited, and health checkups are required. Children who undergo successful surgery experience a significant improvement in quality of life. The success of these surgeries can be attributed to the constant medical advances and healthcare innovations in pediatric cardiac care. Open-heart surgeries continue to remain essential in providing children with congenital heart defects and greater survival rates and developmental success. Many children with previously life-threatening conditions now have the opportunity to grow up with close to normal cardiac functions. Many non-profit organizations and government-funded institutions now take on the responsibility of educating the public about cardiac defects and open-heart surgery. They also offer guidance, emotional support, and counseling to patients and their families.

Written by Anna Zheng at Incisionary

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Mancini, mary. “Congenital Heart Defect - Corrective Surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, 2016, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002948.htm.

“Pediatric Heart Surgery: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007363.htm.