Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and advancements in cardiac care have made a significant impact on treatment outcomes.

Aster Medcity, located in Kochi, Kerala, is a renowned healthcare facility known for its cutting edge technology and skilled medical professionals.

In this blog, Karetrip explores some of the top cardiology procedures performed at Aster Medcity that have contributed to its reputation as a leader in cardiac care.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a common and highly effective procedure used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD), where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup.

CABG restores blood flow to the heart by creating new pathways (bypasses) around the blocked arteries using grafts, typically taken from the patient's leg, arm, or chest.

The procedure is generally recommended for patients with severe blockages in multiple coronary arteries or those who haven't responded well to less invasive treatments.

CABG is performed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon opens the chest to access the heart, allowing them to attach the grafts. The procedure can take several hours and is followed by a period of intensive care to monitor the patient’s recovery.

The technique known as “beating heart” CABG, in which the heart continues to beat while the surgery is performed, is also used to minimise complications that arise from stopping the heart during traditional surgery. This approach can lead to quicker recovery times and better outcomes, especially for high risk patients.

Angioplasty and Stent Placement

Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at restoring blood flow in arteries that have been narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup).

A catheter with a small balloon at the tip is inserted into the artery, and the balloon is inflated to widen the artery. A stent, a small wire mesh tube, is often placed in the artery to keep it open and prevent future narrowing.

This procedure is commonly used to treat patients experiencing chest pain (angina) or those at risk of heart attacks due to narrowed coronary arteries.

Angioplasty is often favoured over more invasive surgery because it can be performed quickly and requires less recovery time. The stents used can either be bare metal or drug eluting, the latter of which releases medication to help prevent restenosis (narrowing of the artery).

Pacemaker Implantation

CAN WE EMBED A VIDEO ON PACEMAKER IMPLANTATION?

• Pacemaker implantation is a lifesaving procedure for patients suffering from arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can lead to fatigue, fainting, or even heart failure.

• A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted in the chest to regulate the heart’s rhythm by sending electrical impulses to ensure the heart beats at a normal pace.

• The procedure involves placing the pacemaker under the skin of the chest, and connecting it to the heart via insulated wires. Pacemakers can be temporary or permanent, depending on the patient’s condition.

• Modern pacemakers are sophisticated and can adjust the heart rate based on the patient's activity levels, providing a more natural heart rhythm and improved quality of life.

Heart Valve Repair and Replacement

Heart valve disease, such as stenosis or regurgitation, can lead to serious heart issues if left untreated. Valve repair and replacement are surgical treatments for correcting malfunctioning heart valves.

Repair is preferred when possible, as it preserves the patient's native valve. However, in more severe cases, the valve may need to be replaced with either a mechanical valve or a biological one, usually derived from animal tissue.

For valve repair, the surgeon may use techniques such as reshaping the valve, removing excess tissue, or tightening the surrounding structure to improve valve function. Valve replacement involves removing the damaged valve and implanting a new one, restoring normal blood flow through the heart.

Minimally invasive techniques for valve repair and replacement have become more common, offering patients faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional open heart surgery.

Electrophysiology (EP) Studies and Ablation

Electrophysiology (EP) studies and ablation are procedures used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms, also known as arrhythmias. An EP study helps identify the specific areas of the heart causing the arrhythmia by mapping the heart’s electrical signals.

If an abnormality is found, ablation can be performed to destroy the tissue responsible for the irregular signals.

During the procedure, a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel to the heart, and either heat (radiofrequency ablation) or cold (cryoablation) is used to eliminate the abnormal tissue.

Ablation is particularly effective in treating conditions like atrial fibrillation, a common type of arrhythmia that can lead to stroke if not treated.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

CAN WE EMBED A VIDEO ON DOC’S SUGGESTION ABOUT CARDIAC REHABILITATION?

• Cardiac rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery for patients who have undergone heart surgery or have experienced a heart attack. It’s a comprehensive program designed to improve cardiovascular health through a combination of exercise, education, and lifestyle changes.

• The goal is to help patients regain strength, reduce the risk of future heart problems, and improve overall well being.

• Rehabilitation programs include supervised exercise sessions tailored to each patient's fitness level and heart condition, as well as counselling on heart healthy living, stress management, and nutritional guidance.

• By participating in a structured rehabilitation program, patients can significantly reduce their risk of future cardiac events and enhance their long term quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery

Minimally invasive heart surgery is a technique that allows surgeons to perform complex heart procedures through small incisions, as opposed to traditional open heart surgery, which requires a large chest incision.

This approach is used for various heart surgeries, including valve repair, coronary bypass, and atrial septal defect closure.

By minimising the size of the incision, this method reduces the recovery time, the risk of infection, and the amount of postoperative pain.

Patients undergoing minimally invasive heart surgery often experience quicker returns to normal activities and have better cosmetic outcomes due to smaller scars.

Pediatric Cardiology Procedures

Children born with congenital heart defects require specialised care from paediatric cardiologists. Aster Medcity offers a range of paediatric cardiology procedures to treat conditions such as atrial septal defect (ASD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and other complex congenital heart diseases.

Paediatric heart surgeries, including corrective and palliative procedures, are performed with great precision, ensuring that children receive the best possible outcomes. Interventional cardiology techniques, such as catheter based repairs, are also used to treat defects without the need for open heart surgery in some cases.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.