Heart surgery encompasses a variety of surgical procedures aimed at treating heart conditions to restore or improve heart function and overall cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerosis: A chronic disease affecting the arteries, where plaque (composed of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) accumulates on the inner walls of arteries. Over time, this plaque build-up causes arteries to stiffen and narrow, reducing or blocking blood flow to vital organs. It can affect arteries throughout the body, leading to coronary artery disease (heart disease), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Atherosclerosis is the primary cause of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Atrial fibrillation ablation, also known as AFib ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications. The procedure involves destroying small areas of heart tissue that trigger or sustain the irregular heartbeat, thereby restoring a normal heart rhythm.
Awake Uniportal VATS is a modern surgical approach that utilizes video-assisted technology to perform thoracic surgery through a single small incision, typically 3-4 cm. This technique allows surgeons to visualize the thoracic cavity and perform necessary procedures while the patient remains awake and comfortable. It is particularly advantageous for patients who may not tolerate general anesthesia well or for those who prefer a less invasive option.
Balloon angioplasty, also known as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), is a minimally invasive procedure used to widen narrowed or blocked blood vessels, usually arteries, to improve blood flow. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and carotid artery stenosis.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a major procedure aimed at improving blood flow to the heart muscle in patients with severe coronary artery disease. This surgery involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and using it to create a new path for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed coronary artery.
Intravascular lithotripsy is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat calcified coronary and peripheral artery disease. This innovative technique utilizes sonic pressure waves, or shock waves, to fracture calcium deposits within the arterial walls, thereby restoring arterial flexibility and enhancing blood flow. IVL is particularly beneficial for patients with heavily calcified arteries where traditional balloon angioplasty or stenting may be challenging or less effective.
