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Heart bypass

Heart Bypass - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Addresses coronary heart disease, where the heart's arteries are narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow.

Symptoms - Patients often experience chest pain (angina), breathlessness, and a high risk of heart attacks.

Procedure Details - the surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body, often the leg, arm, or chest, and grafts it to the coronary artery above and below the blocked area. This creates a new route for blood to flow to or from the heart. The heart is usually stopped temporarily and the patient is placed on a heart-lung bypass machine to keep blood circulating during the procedure.

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Heart valve repair

Valve Repair or Replacement

This surgery is for heart valves that aren’t working correctly, leading to heart efficiency problems.

Symptoms - Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, and swelling in the legs.

Procedure Details -  The surgeon repairs the valve by reconnecting valve leaflets, removing excess valve tissue, or by replacing the faulty valve with an artificial one (mechanical or made from biological tissues). Replacement valves can come from animals, donors, or can be mechanical.

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Aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

For patients with aortic valve stenosis who are at high risk for standard valve replacement surgery.

Symptoms - Chest pain, breathlessness, fainting spells, and weakness or fatigue.

Procedure Details - A catheter is inserted through a small incision in the thigh and guided to the heart. A replacement valve is then expanded at the site of the old valve. This procedure doesn't require opening the chest, making it less invasive than traditional surgery. Request Information Booklet Now

Stent

Balloon Angioplasty and Stent Placement

Balloon Angioplasty and Stent Placement are used to treat coronary artery disease by opening narrowed or blocked arteries.

Symptoms - Angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, and symptoms of a heart attack.

Procedure Details - A catheter with a deflated balloon is threaded to the narrowed part of the artery. The balloon is then inflated, opening up the artery. A stent is placed to keep the artery open. This procedure is often performed with local anaesthesia and sedation.

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Pacemaker

Pacemaker Insertion

Treats arrhythmias, where the heart beats too fast, slow, or irregularly.

Symptoms -  Dizziness, fatigue, fainting spells, and palpitations.

Procedure Details -  The pacemaker, a small electronic device, is implanted under the skin of the chest. It's connected to the heart with tiny wires and sends electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

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Atrial fibrillation

Maze Procedure

Symptoms - Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. 

Procedure Details - The surgeon creates a pattern of scar tissue (the 'maze') in the upper part of the heart. The scars interfere with the electrical impulses that cause atrial fibrillation. This can be done through open-heart surgery, or less invasive methods using radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy (freezing).

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Heart transplant

Heart Transplant

A heart transplant is the option for heart failure where the heart is no longer able to work efficiently.

Symptoms - Extreme shortness of breath, inability to exercise, and severe fatigue.

Procedure Details - In a heart transplant, the patient's diseased heart is removed and replaced with a healthy heart from a donor. The main arteries and veins are connected to the new heart. Post-surgery, patients require medications to prevent the body from rejecting the new organ.

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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta as it passes through the abdomen. Surgery is required to prevent the aneurysm from bursting, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Often aneurysms have little or no symptoms unless they start to leak or burst. If symptoms occur, they can include a pulsating feeling in the abdomen, deep, constant pain in the abdomen or back, and a feeling of fullness.

Procedures

Open Repair

A large incision is made in the abdomen to access the aneurysm. The surgeon removes the bulged area and replaces it with a synthetic tube.

Endovascular Repair

A less invasive method where a tube (stent-graft) is inserted through small incisions in the groin and threaded up to the aneurysm. The stent-graft reinforces the weak spot in the aorta.

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Carotid endarterectomy

Carotid Endarterectomy

Surgery to treat significant narrowing in carotid arteries, the main arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. The aim is to prevent strokes.

Symptoms - Often, there are no symptoms until a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke occurs. Symptoms of a TIA can include sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, trouble speaking, and loss of balance or coordination.

Procedure - The surgeon makes a cut along the neck, opens the narrowed carotid artery, and removes the plaque causing the blockage. The artery is then stitched back together to allow normal blood flow to the brain.

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Peripheral arterial bypass

Peripheral Artery Bypass Surgery

This surgery is for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where arteries in the legs are narrowed or blocked. The goal is to relieve leg pain and improve mobility.

Symptoms

include leg pain when walking, numbness or weakness in the leg, and coldness in the lower leg or foot.

Procedure

A blood vessel from another part of the body or a synthetic vessel is used to create a detour (bypass) around the blocked artery in the leg. This new path allows blood to flow around the blockage and reach the leg muscles, reducing pain and improving leg function.

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Varicose Veins Treatments

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that are visible just under the surface of the skin. They usually occur in the legs but can also form in other parts of the body. Varicose veins are a common condition, affecting up to 60% of Americans, with older women being more susceptible.

Symptoms

Include aching, heavy legs, and swelling in the lower legs. Prolonged standing or sitting can worsen these symptoms.

Itching around the veins and skin ulcers near the ankles can occur, indicating a more severe vascular disease.

Other forms of varicose veins, like spider veins (small, web-like veins on the skin's surface), venous lakes, reticular veins, and telangiectasis, can be less painful but might be a cosmetic concern.

 

Causes

Varicose veins develop when veins lose elasticity and stretch. This can cause the one-way valves in the veins to fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the veins.

Factors like aging, pregnancy, and standing or sitting for long periods can exacerbate this condition. During pregnancy, increased blood volume and pressure from the uterus can lead to varicose veins.

 

Treatments

The favoured treatment used to be Ligation and stripping.

However nowadays the most effective treatment for varicose veins is Laser treatment.

Laser energy is used to scar and destroy varicose veins. This is called ablation and involves heating the wall of your varicose vein using radio waves.

Endo venous laser varicose vein surgery is a procedure that uses heat from a laser to reduce varicose veins. Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often happen on the thighs or calves. A laser is a device that sends a thin beam of radiation in the form of light.

Laser treatment is painless fast and effective.

Even after successful treatment, varicose veins can recur, long-term management may be necessary.

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FAQ – Cardiac Care

Cardiac surgery, also known as cardiovascular surgery, involves procedures performed on the heart or great vessels by cardiac surgeons. DHI partners with several specialist cardiac hospitals each specialising a particular aspect of cardiac care from stent placement to heart transplants. 

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often have specific questions about the procedures, risks, and recovery. Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs).

How do I know if I need cardiac care or some form of cardiac surgery?

You will likely be experiencing some kind of symptoms, these could be shortness of breath, inability to run, exercise, or carry out any form of strenuous activity.  Pain particularly down you left side or in your left arm.  If you feel you have any impairment at all you should see a medical professional.   If you are unable to see a medical professional or you feel that you are not able to seek help immediately you can call us directly.

What are the signs that indicate the need for heart bypass surgery?

Signs you might need heart bypass surgery include severe chest pain unresponsive to medication, significant artery blockage, a recent heart attack, or the failure of other treatments to improve your condition.

How do I know if I am a suitable candidate for surgery?

Prior to booking we will require you to complete a detailed Medical History Questionnaire (MHQ).  This will give the Cardiac Surgeon \ Cardiologist an indication as to whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery.   During your consultation with the Surgeon you will be able to ask questions and discuss any concerns.

What is involved in stent insertion?

This procedure is a short laparoscopic procedure carried out under x-ray by a cardiologist. The instrument is inserted in the right thigh normally, and passes up into the heart and through into the blocked area.  The stent is inserted and expanded to clear the blockage in the artery or vein.

How Long Does a Stent Placement Procedure Take?

The procedure takes less than 1 hr .

How Long Is The Hospital Stay For A Stent Placement Procedure ?

Hospital stay is normally quite short and can be just 1 or 2 days.

How long is the recovery period after heart bypass surgery?

The recovery time after heart bypass surgery generally involves 7 days in hospital, you should expect full recovery within 6-12 weeks.

What risks are associated with heart bypass surgery?

Heart bypass surgery risks include bleeding, infection, potential for heart attack or stroke, kidney failure, and anaesthesia complications, although it's notably successful in improving patient symptoms.

How can I tell if I need heart valve repair or replacement?

Symptoms suggesting the need for heart valve repair or replacement include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, and swelling in the legs, indicating valve issues.

What is the expected life expectancy after heart valve replacement?

Life expectancy post-heart valve replacement varies, influenced by age, health status, and valve type, with ongoing care essential for monitoring and managing any arising complications.

What is the lifespan of a pacemaker?

A pacemaker typically lasts between 5 to 15 years, depending on device type and usage, with factors like battery life and pacing needs playing a role. Replacement is usually required after this time to maintain functionality.

How does having a pacemaker impact daily life?

Living with a pacemaker significantly improves quality of life for those with abnormal heart rhythms, enabling more active lifestyles with minimal restrictions. However, precautions around certain electronics and regular check-ups are advised.

Will removing my varicose veins affect my circulation?

Removing varicose veins actually enhances circulation by diverting blood flow to healthier veins, effectively improving overall circulatory function without impairing it.

Is it pointless to treat varicose veins due to their high recurrence rate?

Treating varicose veins is valuable for alleviating symptoms, preventing complications, and enhancing appearance and quality of life. While recurrence is possible, it can be managed with lifestyle adjustments and further treatment, making the initial treatment beneficial.

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