What Is Open-Heart Surgery?

Open-heart surgery is the general term for a complex operation during which doctors open the chest to directly access the heart. It is performed by highly trained cardiothoracic surgeons who make a 6- to 8-inch incision down the center of the chest wall or in less invasive approaches.  

This surgery is performed to address severe heart conditions including heart failure, aneurysms, artery disease, congenital issues and valve problems.

During most open-heart surgeries, the heart is stopped temporarily, and a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the job of circulating blood to the body. According to a study conducted by iData Research, more than 900,000 cardiac surgeries are performed in the United States each year. That number is projected to reach 1.3 million by 2029.

What are the types of open-heart surgery?

There are several types of open-heart surgery. They include:

1. Coronary artery bypass grafting: The most common type, used to treat coronary artery disease by bypassing blockages with healthy vessels from the body.
2. Heart valve repair or replacement: Repair or replacement of dysfunctional valves (such as aortic, mitral) to ensure proper blood flow.
3. Congenital heart repair: Procedures to correct structural defects in the heart, including patching holes like atrial or ventricular septal defects.
4. Heart transplant: The replacement of a failing heart with a healthy donor heart.
5. Aortic aneurysm repair: Surgical correction of weakened sections of the aorta.
6. Left ventricular assist device insertion: A mechanical pump implanted to assist a weak heart.
7. Off-pump/beating heart surgery: Procedure where the heart-lung machine is not used. 

Is bypass surgery open heart surgery?

Yes, bypass surgery is a type of open-heart surgery.

It improves blood flow to the heart by creating new pathways around clogged arteries, helping to reduce the risks associated with severe coronary artery disease.

During the operation, cardiovascular surgeons graft a healthy vessel from the chest or leg and use it to create a detour around the blockage, thereby easing blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart.

Surgeons can bypass multiple arteries. The surgery is described by how many coronary arteries are blocked, from single bypass to quintuple bypass.

Approximately 300,000 to 400,000 coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries are performed annually in the United States, making it one of the most common major cardiac procedures, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The success rate for CABG surgery is high. The NIH reports a roughly 98% survival rate during immediately and post-operative period and about 86% surviving after five years. For patients with multiple severe blockages, CABG is the best treatment for long-term survival.  

How long does open heart surgery take?

The duration depends largely on the type of surgery. The range is between three to six hours, though complex procedures such as those requiring numerous bypasses can take longer. General anesthesia is used throughout the procedure.

What is the recovery time for open heart surgery?

The typical hospital stay after open-heart surgery is four to five days, including up to two days in ICU.

Doctors usually want patients to walk as much as possible after the surgery. This period is followed by a month in which patients are to gradually increase activities.

After four weeks, most patients return to light work and driving. It usually takes three months for most patients feel fully recovered and return to normal activity.

What are the long-term effects of heart surgery?

Chronic chest pain/numbness, fatigue, cognitive decline, sleep disorders and emotional struggles like depression or anxiety can occur after open-heart surgery. These subside in time.

Recurrent heart issues can also be a problem if patients fail to make lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. 

Can a person live a normal life after open heart surgery?

Most people can live a long and active life after open-heart surgery. The best way to do that is by adopting heart-healthy habits.

Learn more about open heart surgery at Ochsner Health.