Coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart muscle when significant coronary artery blockages are present. A healthy blood vessel is used to create an alternative pathway around the narrowed artery. Surgery may be considered for selected patients with complex or extensive coronary artery disease.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is performed on a beating heart without routinely using a heart-lung bypass machine. Specialized stabilizing equipment helps surgeons construct bypass grafts while the heart continues functioning. The technique may be suitable for selected patients, depending on coronary anatomy, cardiovascular stability, and the surgeon's assessment.
Mitral valve replacement is a cardiac operation in which a severely damaged mitral valve is replaced with an artificial mechanical or biological valve. It may be considered when the valve is significantly narrowed or leaking and repair is not suitable. Treatment planning considers symptoms, heart function, valve anatomy, and patient-specific risks.
Aortic valve replacement treats selected patients with severe aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation. During surgical replacement, the diseased valve is removed and replaced with an appropriate prosthetic valve. The choice of treatment and valve type depends on clinical findings, surgical risk, age, medical history, and patient preferences.
Double valve replacement is performed when two heart valves have severe disease requiring surgical replacement, commonly involving the mitral and aortic valves. The procedure requires detailed assessment of valve function, heart condition, and associated medical risks. Surgical planning includes selecting suitable replacement valves and determining the appropriate operative approach.
Aortic surgery may be required for selected disorders affecting the aorta, including aneurysms, certain dissections, or other structural abnormalities. The procedure depends on the affected aortic segment and severity of disease. Treatment may involve surgical repair or replacement, with careful cardiovascular assessment and specialist imaging used for planning.
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery uses selected smaller incisions or specialized approaches to perform certain heart operations. Some procedures may avoid a full-length breastbone incision. Suitability depends on the type of cardiac condition, patient anatomy, associated illnesses, and surgical requirements. Potential benefits and risks are evaluated individually.
Complex congenital cardiac surgery addresses selected structural heart abnormalities present from birth. Treatment planning requires detailed assessment of cardiac anatomy, blood circulation, age, and associated medical conditions. Surgical options vary according to the defect and may involve repair, reconstruction, or staged interventions under specialist multidisciplinary care.
Neonatal cardiac surgery involves specialized operations for newborn babies with significant congenital heart defects requiring early intervention. Careful evaluation of the baby's anatomy, circulation, weight, and clinical stability is essential. Management typically requires coordinated support from congenital cardiac surgeons, paediatric cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, and intensive care specialists.
High-risk cardiac surgery involves patients whose medical conditions or cardiac disease increase the complexity of an operation. Risk factors may include poor heart function, multiple medical problems, complex coronary disease, or previous cardiac procedures. Treatment planning emphasizes careful evaluation, individualized surgical strategy, and appropriate postoperative monitoring.
Geriatric cardiac surgery focuses on operative cardiac care for older adults. Treatment planning considers heart disease severity alongside frailty, kidney function, lung health, other medical conditions, and recovery needs. The surgical team evaluates potential benefits, risks, treatment alternatives, and postoperative requirements before recommending an appropriate intervention.
Preoperative cardiac surgery assessment evaluates whether a patient is suitable for a proposed surgical procedure. It may include cardiovascular imaging, blood investigations, assessment of other organ systems, and review of medications. Findings help the surgical team estimate risks, select an operative approach, and plan perioperative care.