Cardiotomy

Cardiotomy is a medical procedure that involves opening the heart to perform surgery. It is a major operation that requires a skilled surgeon and a well-equipped hospital or medical center.

Overview

Cardiotomy is often performed to treat serious heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and congenital heart defects. The procedure involves making an incision in the chest to access the heart, and then using specialized tools to open the heart and perform the necessary repairs or replacements.

Procedure

The procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon then makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The heart is then stopped and a heart-lung machine is used to pump and oxygenate the blood while the heart is being operated on. The surgeon then opens the heart and performs the necessary repairs or replacements. Once the procedure is complete, the heart is restarted, the chest is closed, and the patient is taken to the intensive care unit for recovery.

Risks and Complications

As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with cardiotomy. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and death. There can also be complications related to the use of the heart-lung machine, such as lung damage or kidney failure.

Recovery

Recovery from cardiotomy can be a lengthy process. It typically involves a stay in the intensive care unit followed by several days in the hospital. After discharge, patients will need to follow a strict rehabilitation program and take medications to prevent complications.

See Also

• Cardiac surgery
• Heart disease
• Heart-lung machine