As this eMedTV article explains, open heart surgery is a procedure in which a blood vessel is taken from another part of your body and used to go around a blocked vessel in your heart. This page provides an overview of open heart surgery.
The main reason for bypass surgery is to improve the blood supply and delivery of oxygen to the heart. This eMedTV segment discusses the reasons for bypass surgery and explains what happens during the surgery.
As described in this eMedTV article, preparing for open heart surgery involves talking to your doctor about your medical history, current medications, and any allergies you may have. This resource discusses how to prepare for open heart surgery.
On the day of bypass surgery, you can expect to have an intravenous fluid line and a test called an EKG. This eMedTV segment describes the medications and tests that will be used on the day of your bypass surgery.
In the operating room for open heart surgery, you may see heart monitors and anesthesia equipment. This eMedTV Web page discusses open heart surgery and moving to the operating room by describing what you can expect to see and hear inside.
As this eMedTV article explains, general anesthesia for bypass surgery will put you into a deep sleep, making you unaware of any pain during the surgery. This page discusses what anesthesia is, what it does, and why it is used for bypass surgery.
The bypass graft and the heart-lung bypass machine are important components of open heart surgery. This eMedTV Web page describes some of the instruments used for open heart surgery and explains why they are used and how they work.
During bypass surgery, a blood vessel is placed in your heart to go around the vessel that is blocked. As this eMedTV page explains, this blood vessel usually comes from the chest or the leg. This page describes what happens during bypass surgery.
After open heart surgery, recovery time will vary from patient to patient. This page of the eMedTV site discusses your time in the hospital and explains what you should do and what you should avoid during open heart surgery recovery.
In terms of open heart surgery expectations, you are likely to see an improvement in your heart's function. This eMedTV segment discusses reasonable open heart surgery expectations and explains how the surgery is not always a permanent solution.
Possible complications from open heart surgery can range from nausea to stroke to loss of life. This page of the eMedTV site outlines several minor and major open heart surgery complications and offers information on how often they occur.
Alternatives for open heart surgery typically include catheter procedures and/or medication. This page on the eMedTV site highlights these possible alternatives for bypass surgery and explains how they work and why they are used.
What can you expect without open heart surgery? As this eMedTV article explains, you will be at an increased risk for life-threatening illness. This resource explains the possible consequences of delaying or refusing open heart surgery.
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