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Heart Bypass Surgery: Restoring the Rhythm of Life

01/11/2023

The human heart, a relentless muscle responsible for pumping life-giving blood throughout the body, occasionally faces challenges that disrupt its vital work. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one such challenge, where the arteries supplying the heart muscle become clogged with plaque, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery. In these cases, heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), emerges as a life-saving solution. Understanding Heart Bypass Surgery Heart bypass surgery is a surgical procedure designed to create new pathways for blood to flow to the heart muscle when the existing coronary arteries are significantly blocked or narrowed. These newly created pathways, often referred to as "bypasses," allow blood to circumvent the obstructed areas, restoring essential oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. When Is Heart Bypass Surgery Necessary? Coronary artery disease can lead to a variety of symptoms, including chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and fatigue. While not all cases of CAD require surgery, heart bypass surgery may be considered in the following situations: Multiple Blockages: When multiple coronary arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked, bypass surgery is often the most effective solution. Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Blockages in the left main coronary artery, which supplies a substantial portion of the heart, can be especially dangerous and may necessitate bypass surgery. Failed Angioplasty: In some cases, angioplasty (a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed arteries) may not provide a lasting solution, and bypass surgery becomes the preferred option. Emergency Treatment: Bypass surgery is occasionally performed as an emergency intervention during a heart attack when other treatments are ineffective. The Heart Bypass Surgery Procedure Preparation: Before the surgery, the patient is given anesthesia to induce unconsciousness and ensure they feel no pain during the procedure. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. This can be done through a traditional open-chest incision or a minimally invasive approach, depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's preference. Harvesting Blood Vessels: In most cases, blood vessels, typically the saphenous vein from the leg or the internal mammary artery from the chest wall, are harvested to serve as the grafts for the bypasses. Grafting: The surgeon then attaches one end of the harvested blood vessels above and below the blocked artery, creating a new path for blood to flow, bypassing the blockage. Completion: Once all necessary bypasses are in place, the heart is restarted, and the patient's chest is closed. Benefits of Heart Bypass Surgery Improved Blood Flow: Bypass surgery restores normal blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of heart attack and relieving symptoms of angina. Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients often experience a significant improvement in their ability to perform daily activities, leading to a better quality of life. Extended Lifespan: Bypass surgery can prolong the lives of individuals with severe CAD. Lower Risk of Future Heart Problems: By creating new pathways for blood flow, bypass surgery can prevent the progression of coronary artery disease. Risks and Complications While heart bypass surgery is generally safe and effective, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. There's also a potential for graft blockage over time, requiring further intervention. Recovery and Follow-Up Recovery from heart bypass surgery varies depending on the patient and the surgical approach used. However, most individuals can expect to spend a few days in the hospital, with a total recovery period ranging from several weeks to a few months. Rehabilitation typically involves cardiac rehabilitation, a program designed to help patients regain their strength, improve their heart health, and reduce the risk of future cardiac events. Final Thoughts Heart bypass surgery stands as a remarkable testament to the advancements in modern medicine. It offers a path to renewed health for those battling coronary artery disease, allowing them to regain control of their lives and live free from the constant threat of heart-related issues. As technology and medical knowledge continue to advance, heart bypass surgery remains a shining example of how medical science can mend even the most vital parts of our bodies, helping individuals reclaim the rhythm of their lives and look forward to a healthier, heartier future. For more information, visit our Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery page. *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Coronary Angioplasty: Navigating the Path to Heart Health

30/10/2023

The human heart, a miraculous organ, pumps tirelessly, supplying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. But like any intricate machinery, it sometimes needs a little maintenance. When the arteries that supply the heart muscle become clogged or narrowed due to a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD), the heart's health is at risk. This is where coronary angioplasty, a life-saving medical procedure, comes into play. Understanding Coronary Angioplasty Coronary angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate blockages in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. These blockages are often the result of the accumulation of fatty deposits called plaque, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. During coronary angioplasty, a cardiologist inserts a thin, flexible catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip into the affected artery, usually through the groin or wrist. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated, compressing the plaque against the artery's walls, thereby widening the vessel's diameter and restoring blood flow to the heart. The Role of Stents In many cases, coronary angioplasty is complemented by the placement of a stent. A stent is a small, mesh-like tube made of metal or fabric. It is inserted into the artery during the angioplasty procedure and remains in place permanently. Stents provide structural support to the artery, preventing it from re-narrowing after the balloon is deflated and removed. Stents can be bare metal or coated with medication (drug-eluting stents) to reduce the risk of reblockage. The Procedure Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient is typically given a mild sedative to help them relax. The surgical team thoroughly cleans and sterilizes the access site, which is often in the groin or wrist. Local Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the access area, reducing discomfort during the procedure. Catheter Insertion: A catheter is inserted through the access site and carefully guided through the arterial system to reach the coronary arteries. Angiography: A contrast dye is injected through the catheter to make the coronary arteries visible on an X-ray monitor. This allows the cardiologist to identify the location and severity of blockages. Balloon Inflation: The balloon at the catheter's tip is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery walls, effectively widening the artery. Stent Placement: If necessary, a stent is placed in the treated area to maintain the artery's patency. Drug-eluting stents release medication over time to prevent reblockage. Balloon Deflation and Removal: The balloon is deflated, and the catheter is carefully withdrawn. Post-Procedure Observation: After the procedure, patients are monitored to ensure there are no complications. They may need to stay in the hospital for a short period or can often return home the same day. Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty Swift Recovery: Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, resulting in a faster recovery time compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Improved Blood Flow: By opening narrowed or blocked arteries, angioplasty enhances blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing the risk of a heart attack. Symptom Relief: Patients often experience immediate relief from symptoms like chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath. Enhanced Quality of Life: Restoring normal blood flow to the heart can significantly improve a patient's overall quality of life. Risks and Complications While coronary angioplasty is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential risks and complications, including bleeding or infection at the access site, blood vessel damage, or an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. In rare cases, the procedure may lead to a heart attack, stroke, or the need for emergency bypass surgery. Recovery and Follow-Up After coronary angioplasty, patients are advised to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and medication adherence. Follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are essential to monitor the stent's function and overall heart health. Final Thoughts Coronary angioplasty is a remarkable medical procedure that has saved countless lives by restoring blood flow to the heart and alleviating the symptoms of CAD. It exemplifies the advancements in modern medicine, providing a minimally invasive solution to a condition that was once treated primarily through open-heart surgery. As technology and medical knowledge continue to progress, coronary angioplasty remains a beacon of hope for those dealing with coronary artery disease, promising a brighter and healthier future for their hearts and their lives. For more information, visit our Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery page. *Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Robotic angioplasty at Pasteur Clinic in Toulouse

19/04/2019

The Pasteur Clinic has achieved a 1st in Europe   The Pasteur Clinic of Toulouse announces having achieved a European first in the field of cardiology thanks to the robotic pathway. Dr. Jean Fajadet thus performed the first coronary angioplasty in Europe under the assistance of a robot.   In the case of narrowing or occlusion of the arteries, created by deposits of atheromatous plaques, the cardiologist may recommend coronary angioplasty. This procedure consists of positioning a small balloon in the artery at the level of the narrowing or occlusion and inflating it to dilate the stenosis and crush the atheromatous plaque and thus obtain a normal flow in the coronary artery. In general, the following is stent placement, a mini-spring, which prevents the artery to reseal. The Pasteur Clinic has been performing this intervention for more than 30 years in interventional cardiology, percutaneously under local anesthesia.     With the acquisition of the robot (CorPath GRX System® Corindus®), the cardiologist can perform his act via joysticks. The robot is guided from a control room. It allows a great precision of the gesture and the absence of X-ray exposure for the personnel.   The Pasteur Clinic has also invested in a 4th generation da Vinci xi surgical robot for several specialties (urology, gynecology, digestive, thoracic surgery, etc.).   Source: La Depeche 

What is Coronary Angioplasty?

21/09/2017

Coronary arteries are the main blood vessels that supply the heart. Sometimes, these arteries can become narrowed or blocked, which can lead to the flow of blood to the heart becoming restricted. A coronary angioplasty is a surgical procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. You may be surprised to learn that it is carried out using local anaesthetic and did you know that it involves a tiny balloon? The surgeon makes a tiny incision in your groin, arm or wrist and inserts a catheter. This is then guided to your affected coronary artery using an X-ray video. A tiny balloon is then inserted into the artery via the catheter. The balloon is then inflated to squash any fatty deposits against the wall of the artery widening it once more. This allows blood to flow freely again after the balloon is removed. A stent is sometimes also added and enters the artery at the same time as the balloon. It remains in place after the balloon has been deflated and removed to ensure the artery remains in the best possible shape to allow blood to flow freely going forward. The entire procedure only takes around 30 minutes to two hours and most patients are allowed to go home after just one or two days.

New type of scan could predict when people will have a heart attack

14/07/2017

A new type of heart scan that analyses the fat and inflammation around the heart’s arteries could more accurately predict who will have a heart attack. The new way of scanning, developed by a team at the University of Oxford, identifies potential ticking time bomb arteries, allowing high-risk patients to receive intensive treatment and reduce their risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Most of us know inflammation as the red, swollen, sore feeling you experience after cutting your skin. However, the same occurs in all the tissues in the body, including inside the heart. Inflammation on the inside of blood vessels is linked to the build-up of unstable plaques, which can break apart and block a coronary artery, starving the heart of oxygen – resulting in a heart attack. "The holy grail in cardiology is the ability to pick up inflammation in coronary arteries, it's been a challenge for the past 50 years," said Prof Charalambos Antoniades, one of the Oxford researchers. Prof Metin Avkiran, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Discovering which plaques are likely to rupture, so people can be treated before such a devastating event strikes, is a major objective of current research. "If the technique lives up to its promise in larger trials in patients, it could lead to more effective treatment to avoid a potentially fatal heart attack or stroke."

Mediterranean diet reduces heart attacks and strokes

04/05/2016

Last year, we told you about the benefits to your gut of following a Mediterranean diet. Now, research published in the European Heart Journal says that a Mediterranean diet is better for people with heart disease than avoiding what's considered unhealthy in the so-called 'Western diet'. The new research shows that a Mediterranean diet, which includes large amounts of fruit, vegetables, fish and unrefined foods, can decrease the risk of stroke and heart attack in people who already have heart disease. Likewise, the study found that avoiding the unhealthy aspects of a Western diet, such as sweets, sugary drinks and deep-fried foods, also reduced a person's risk of cardiac issues. For the study, researchers from Auckland City Hospital at the University of Auckland in New Zealand analysed the dietary data of some 15,482 people with stable coronary artery disease across 39 countries globally. They found that fewer heart attacks and strokes were witnessed among those people who eat Mediterranean foods. In fact, for every 100 people eating Mediterranean foods, there were three fewer strokes, heart attacks or deaths than seen among the 100 people who consumed the least amount of healthy foods. Lead researcher Prof. Ralph Stewart said: "The research suggests we should place more emphasis on encouraging people with heart disease to eat more healthy foods, and perhaps focus less on avoiding unhealthy foods."

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

20/01/2015

CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY Our hearts are amazing organs. They beat literally thousands of times a day, every day, for our entire lives. That’s why it’s important that we take good care of our hearts and give them the best possible chance of staying healthy. However, our hearts sometimes run into trouble and the only course of action is to let a surgeon put them right. This is especially true in the case of a blocked artery and a coronary artery bypass is needed. And if you’re reading this it’s because you are looking for more information about coronary artery bypass surgery in France. If so, we’re here to help! With our extensive network of around 120 hospitals and more than 1,500 highly experienced medical specialists across France, we are in the best position to facilitate your coronary artery bypass procedure. But what is a coronary artery bypass? It’s a surgical procedure that looks to create a bypass around a specific part of blocked artery in your heart. There are a number of reasons why a blockage in the artery may occur but the most prominent is due to the build-up of fatty deposits. These usually occur as a result of a high fat, high cholesterol diet. How is it performed? Your surgeon will look to alleviate a narrowed or blocked artery by using a healthy blood vessel taken from your leg, arm, chest or abdomen. This is then connected to the other arteries in your heart creating a bypass around the blocked section. Blood flow to the heart is inevitably improved and your chances of cardiac arrest are significantly reduced. How long does the procedure take? Coronary artery bypass surgery usually takes between three and six hours. It requires a general anaesthetic and surgeons often repair, on average, two or four arteries. Traditional coronary bypass surgery is performed through a long incision down the front of the patient’s chest. However, minimally invasive surgery – performed through a smaller incision with the help of video imaging - is now a common option and one which can afford speedier recovery times and reduce the cosmetic impact of surgery. What happens after the surgery? Due to the severity of the surgery, it is inevitable to spend one or two days in intensive care while your medical team monitors your vital signs. However, providing there are no complications, coronary artery bypass patients are usually discharged from hospital within a week. Finally, why France? Because the French healthcare system is one of the absolute best in the world. Furthermore, with France Surgery’s assistance, any potential international barriers are removed and you’re taken care of in the best possible way. So if you’re looking for an affordable coronary artery bypass procedure; without the long waits often experienced in other countries; and which is performed by a highly experienced surgeon, contact us today for a personalised quotation.

A Brief Guide to Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

15/09/2014

When the most important organ in our bodies, the heart, becomes infected with disease or one of its arteries becomes blocked there is usually only one course of action: a coronary artery bypass. If you’re due to undergo heart bypass surgery or simply want to know more about what it entails, the following brief guide should answer many of your questions: What is coronary artery bypass surgery? It’s a surgical procedure which is undertaken to create a bypass around a blocked or diseased artery in your heart. How is it performed? The bypass itself is created using a piece of healthy blood vessel from another part of your body. The surgeon then attaches this to the healthy arteries in your heart ultimately bypassing the diseased or blocked section. Blood flow is significantly improved as a result. How long does it take? Between three and six hours is the usual amount of time taken for a coronary artery bypass to be undertaken. Is ‘open heart surgery’ the only way? Open heart surgery usually refers to the traditional method whereby a long incision is made down the front of the chest. However, it is becoming more common for the procedure to be undertaken on a minimally invasive basis through a much smaller incision. This reduces the cosmetic impact and inevitably speeds up the associated recovery time. What can be expected post-surgery? Because of the major nature of a coronary artery bypass, it is necessary for all patients to spend one or two days in intensive care. This will allow for vital signs to be monitored and reduces the risk of complications arising. Having just undergone such a major surgical procedure, you will need to take good care of yourself immediately afterwards. France Surgery’s experience and extensive partner network will ensure that you have everything you need for a successful and speedy recovery.

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