Open-heart surgery in Chicagoland
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Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is used to help restore proper blood circulation to the heart by rerouting blood flow around blocked or narrowed arteries. This procedure helps improve the oxygen supply to your heart and can help reduce or eliminate symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
CABG surgery
During CABG surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia and are asleep. Your surgeon makes an incision in the chest. A heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs while your surgeon operates on the heart.Healthy blood vessels are removed from your legs or chest and used as a graft. The graft is attached to the blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This bypasses the blockage to allow blood to flow freely to the heart muscle. Multiple grafts may be used to bypass multiple blocked arteries.
Once the surgery is complete, your chest incision is closed and you are taken off the heart-lung machine. Your care team closely monitors your condition in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recovery time in the ICU varies.
Post-surgery care
Instructions for care after your surgery may include medications, dietary and lifestyle changes, follow-up appointments, and cardiac rehabilitation.CABG recovery
Recovery from open-heart surgery is different for each patient. Some may recover within a few weeks, while others may need a longer healing time. Ascension Illinois provides cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and improve their overall heart health. -
Valve repair or replacement: Valve repair or replacement can be an open-heart surgery or minimally invasive procedure. When your heart valve is damaged or diseased, your cardiologist may recommend repairing or replacing the valve. You may be referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon if the recommended repair is an open-heart surgery; or to an interventional cardiologist if the repair is a minimally invasive and catheter-based procedure, such as TAVR. If your damaged valve is left untreated, you can experience blood leakage, reduced blood flow or valve-related problems.
Valve repair
During open-heart valve repair and replacement surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia and connected to a heart-lung machine. The heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure. Your surgeon makes an incision in the chest to reach your heart and the damaged valve. Based on your overall health and valve condition, your surgeon may repair or replace the total valve. To repair your valve, your surgeon may remove excess tissue, repair any tears, or reshape the valve to help improve function.Valve replacement
If your valve is severely damaged and repair is not an option, a valve replacement may be recommended. The most common types of replacement valves are mechanical valves and biological valves. Mechanical valves are made of metal or ceramic and can last a lifetime. Biological valves are made from animal tissue or donated human tissue and may need to be replaced in 10 to 15 years.Once the surgery is complete, your chest incision is closed and you are taken off the heart-lung machine. Your care team closely monitors your condition and recovery in the intensive care unit (ICU). Recovery times in the ICU vary.
Post-surgery care
Instructions for caring for yourself after surgery may include medications, dietary and lifestyle changes, scheduling follow-up appointments, and cardiac rehabilitation.Valve repair or replacement recovery
Recovery from open-heart surgery is different for each patient. Some people may recover within a few weeks, while others may need a longer healing time. Ascension Illinois connects patients to our cardiac rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and improve their overall heart health. -
Surgical care for AFib: Heart care teams at Ascension Illinois deliver advanced treatment options to help manage atrial fibrillation (AFib). Your multidisciplinary care team includes electrophysiologists, interventional cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who work together to treat AFib symptoms, such as:
• Chest pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat, either too fast (palpitations) or too slow
• Shortness of breath
• SweatingHybrid and surgical procedures
Whenever possible, your surgeon will recommend cardiac surgery using minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive procedures may help shorten your recovery time and lower your risk of complications. At Ascension Illinois, hybrid and surgical ablation procedures may be recommended as part of your care plan:- Concomitant surgical radiofrequency ablation
- Cox-Maze IV
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO)
- Robotic convergent procedure
- WATCHMAN™ device
AFib is an underdiagnosed condition that affects millions of people. Risk factors for AFib include:
- Advanced age
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Diabetes
- Enlargement of the chambers on the left side of the heart
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Ischemic heart disease
- Moderate to heavy alcohol use
- Obesity
- Smoking
Talk to your doctor if you have any risk factors and are concerned about AFib or if you have symptoms of AFib.
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Heart device implant surgery: A medical device, such as a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), can help regulate the heart's rhythm and improve heart function. These devices are often used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias and to help prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Patient evaluation
Your doctor may recommend a series of tests and evaluations to determine if an ICD is right for you. Tests often include an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and other cardiac assessments. Your heart care team will explain all treatment options and answer any questions you may have.ICD surgery and post-surgery care
During ICD implantation surgery, you are under local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, your surgeon numbs the area where the surgery will take place. You are still awake and are aware of your surroundings during this procedure. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the chest and inserts the medical device. After the device is implanted, you may experience some discomfort and soreness at the incision site.ICD surgery recovery
Regular follow-up appointments help your heart care team monitor the function of the ICD and make any necessary adjustments. At each appointment, talk with your care team about any unusual symptoms or concerns. Your doctor will evaluate your physical health as well as the condition of your device. NOTE: The ICD may require periodic battery replacements, and certain movements may disrupt your device. If you notice any abnormal activity, such as beeping, please notify your care team.Patients and caregivers should also be aware of the importance of emotional health following the procedure. You may experience a range of emotions, including feeling anxious or afraid, as you adjust to life with the implanted device. These are all normal emotions and reactions.
Seek support from loved ones, join a support group, or speak with a mental health provider at Ascension Illinois. Talk with your doctor about your concerns, and we can connect you with the right care.
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Ventricular assist device (VAD) implant surgery: A ventricular assist device helps your heart temporarily or permanently pump blood throughout your body. A VAD may be recommended by your doctor if you are recovering from surgery, awaiting a heart transplant or unable to receive a heart transplant. The three types of VAD devices are:
• Biventricular assist device (BIVAD)
• Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
• Right ventricular assist device (RVAD)Patient evaluation
First, you’ll meet with your doctor and heart function care team. Your doctor may recommend a series of tests and evaluations to determine if a VAD is right for you. Tests and assessments help your doctor to better understand your heart condition, support network and overall health. Every patient receives a detailed care plan. Your doctor will take the time to discuss benefits and potential risks as well as answer all your questions – big and small.VAD surgery and post-surgery care
A VAD is surgically implanted while you are under general anesthesia. After the surgery, you are closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) to help ensure the device is working properly.Following the ICU stay, you will continue your recovery at the hospital. Recovery times may vary from person to person. At Ascension Illinois, we recommend physical therapy (PT) and rehabilitation as soon as possible to help you regain strength and mobility. We provide inpatient rehabilitation while you are at the hospital. And, we connect you with PT specialists close to home. Your heart function care team will monitor your progress, provide guidance and adjust your care plan, if needed. This process continues even after you leave the hospital.
VAD surgery recovery
Regular follow-up appointments help your heart care team monitor your overall health, your device and make any necessary adjustments.After surgery, you may also experience emotional and mental challenges. You may feel a range of emotions, including relief and gratitude, but also anxiety or fear. Talk with your care team if you have concerns, and we can connect you to the right specialists to help address your mental and emotional health. We can also help you adjust to your new lifestyle and recovery at home.
Stay connected with your care team at Ascension Illinois and schedule your regular follow-up appointments. Your care team can provide recommendations for lifestyle changes, including diet and exercises that can help the effectiveness of your VAD.