Open Heart Surgery

About Open Heart Surgery

Open heart surgery is a broad term for any cardiac operation in which the chest is surgically opened, usually through an incision in the breastbone, to give the surgical team direct access to the heart and its major vessels. Many such operations are performed with the heart temporarily stopped and a heart-lung bypass machine taking over circulation and breathing, allowing the surgeon to work on a still, bloodless heart before it is restarted. Common reasons for open heart surgery include bypassing blocked coronary arteries, repairing or replacing damaged heart valves, correcting congenital defects, and repairing aneurysms involving the heart or major vessels. The technique and duration depend on the underlying condition, but most operations take several hours and are followed by time in intensive care while the patient is weaned off ventilator support and monitored for bleeding, infection, and rhythm changes. A longer hospital stay of one to two weeks typically follows, along with structured cardiac rehabilitation to rebuild strength and stamina. India's cardiac surgery centers perform a high volume of open heart procedures across these categories, supported by dedicated cardiac intensive care units, and international patients generally plan for several weeks in-country to cover surgery and initial recovery.