Cardiothoracic Surgery
Overview
This is a highly specialised branch of surgical practice that is a combination of two sub-specialities — cardiac and thoracic surgery.
Cardiac surgery is focussed on the treatment of diseases that affect the heart, the most common being coronary artery disease and heart valve issues.
Thoracic surgery deals with conditions that affect the organs within the thorax including the lungs, oesophagus and diaphragm. Cardiothoracic surgeons are proficient in dealing with a wide variety of conditions that affect the heart and lungs and work in tandem with cardiologists, pulmonologists, vascular surgeons and other staff including cardiac and perfusion technologists to give holistic care to the patients.
Hindu Mission Hospital boasts of highly-skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, who lead a team of proficient technologists, diagnosticians and cardiac care nurses.
Assisted by modern technology such as the latest 3D mapping systems, machines to measure fractional flow reserve, heart-lung machines and intra-aortic balloon pump, the cardiothoracic surgery unit delivers exceptional surgical care to the patients.
The unit also has a cardiothoracic laboratory and a dedicated cardiothoracic modular operation theatre.
Cardiothoracic surgeries may be done in the traditional open heart surgery method, where a large incision is made on the chest wall or through the minimally-invasive technique, where a tiny incision is made and special surgical equipments are used to reach the organs and carry out the delicate procedures.
Our Holistic Services
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
- This is a complex procedure to treat coronary artery disease, wherein the major blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart get blocked by deposits containing fat and other materials (plaque).
- In a CABG procedure, the blocked part of the coronary artery is replaced with a section of a healthy vein or artery taken from another part of the body and it is called a graft.
- The surgeon attaches one end of the graft to an area of the heart above the blockage in the artery, while the other end is attached to an area of the coronary artery below the blockage.
- So, blood flow to the heart is diverted and thus restored. At HMH, cardiac surgeons are well-versed in performing the ‘off-pump’ CABG. Also called the ‘beating heart’ surgery, in this highly advanced procedure the surgeon operates on the heart as it is beating, without stopping and connecting it to a heart lung machine as is conventionally done in many cardiac operations.
- This is particularly helpful in high-risk patients, who may have other lifestyle disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes and so on.
Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery
- Valves are structures that allow blood to flow smoothly through the four chambers of the heart. The heart consists of four valves — tricuspid, aortic, pulmonary and mitral valve.
- When any of these valves get damaged (become stiff or start leaking blood), they can cause a host of complications.
- During valve repair/replacement procedure, the damaged valve may be supported by inserting a ring or the surgeon may totally replace the whole valve with an artificial one or a donor valve.
Aortic Aneurysm Repair
- The aorta is the main artery in the human body that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
- When a bulge forms in any part of the aorta it is called an aortic aneurysm.
- This poses a grave risk, because if the bulge ruptures due to increased pressure of blood flowing within, it can cause internal bleeding and other problems.
- An aneurysm repair may be done through open heart method by making an incision in the chest and replacing the damaged part with a graft. In recent times, the more advanced method of endovascular repair is used, wherein the surgeon inserts a catheter (thin tube-like device) upwards from the thigh area into the aneurysm, while using imaging to watch the process on a computer monitor.
- Using the catheter, a stent graft is inserted to strengthen the aorta and prevent rupture.
Implantation of a Ventricular Assist Device
- A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical device that helps blood to be pumped from the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart to the other parts of the body.
- In a patient with severe heart failure, the cardiothoracic surgeon may decide to implant a VAD in the chest area to help normal blood flow. This is a major procedure performed through the open heart method.
Pacemaker Insertion
- In this surgery, a pacemaker (a small device that delivers electrical pulses) is placed in the chest area of a patient who may have irregular heart rhythm problems. The device helps regulate the heartbeat.
Lung Surgery
- Different types of surgery may be performed on the lungs to treat damage to the organs, any growth or malignancy (cancer).
- Some of these include wedge resection, wherein a small portion of the lung tissue is removed to treat any damage or growth.
- Another procedure is a lobectomy, in which the surgeon removes one of the lobes of the lungs.
- This operation is usually performed to treat lung cancer.
Congenital Surgery
- One of the most challenging and important sections of cardiothoracic surgery is congenital surgery, which means surgery to correct birth defects in the heart and lungs.
- At HMH, we offer some of the best treatments for children with congenital problems with specialised surgery and compassionate care.
- Some of these congenital procedures include:
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) repair
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) surgery
- Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Our Team
Dr. HARIHARAN
CTVS
Available Sessions:
Will be scheduled as per Consultant availability
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All our medical programmes are underpinned by an uncompromising belief in ethics, excellence and strict clinical governance.
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About
All our medical programmes are underpinned by an uncompromising belief in ethics, excellence and strict clinical governance.
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