Cardiothoracic Surgery
What Is Cardiovascular Surgery?
Heart surgery or cardiovascular surgery is a procedure performed to treat heart problems. A cardiovascular surgeon at Carondelet Health may recommend specific cardiovascular surgery procedures if other treatment options, such as lifestyle changes or other medical procedures and medications, are not enough to solve the problem with your heart.
Cardiovascular surgery may help fix heart valves that don’t work well. Our team can also help control abnormal heart rhythms, implant medical devices to help the heart function properly, replace a damaged heart with a healthy one and treat heart failure or coronary heart disease (CHD).
Cardiovascular Doctors in Tucson
Cardiovascular doctors or cardiovascular surgeons repair damage by diseases or disorders of the heart by operating on the cardiovascular system. A primary care doctor usually refers a patient to a cardiovascular doctor if the patient is at risk of having heart disease or experiencing heart disease symptoms. If a patient needs surgery as recommended by a cardiologist, a surgeon will take over the patient’s care. Cardiovascular surgeons perform different heart procedures on the heart valves and the blood vessels in the body.
How Long Can Cardiovascular Surgery Procedures Take?
How long patients are in surgery depends on the type of surgery. A minimally invasive procedure, such as an angioplasty, can be as short as 30 minutes. A bypass surgery may take three to six hours. This is a question to ask your healthcare provider or team, in addition to asking how best to prepare in advance for the procedure.
Vascular Treatment and Procedures
The vascular system is the body’s network of blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) that carries blood to and from the heart. Vascular surgeons with Carondelet have experience treating circulatory system conditions and advancing treatments and technology in vascular and endovascular surgery. Through ongoing clinical research, they continue to expand the possibilities for minimally invasive treatment of thoracic aneurysms, renal artery stenosis, lower extremity and carotid artery disease. Our vascular surgeons provide effective, compassionate care using advanced technology and cardiovascular surgery procedures.
Explore our Vascular Services
From aneurysm repair to complex wound management, Carondelet cardiovascular surgeons have experience with the following types of heart surgery and procedures:
Cardiac Surgery Recovery
An open vascular surgery may take about 3 months of recovery at home, and an endovascular surgery may take about 4-6 weeks to recover. For a graft surgery to repair an aneurysm, you may be asked to follow up with your vascular doctor to monitor if the graft is functioning well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiovascular Surgery
What should I expect during my hospital stay?
Most patients stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. You’ll be monitored closely in a recovery unit or intensive care unit (ICU) before moving to a regular hospital room. Your care team will help manage pain, monitor your heart function and begin physical activity as soon as it’s safe.
How can I emotionally prepare for heart surgery?
It’s normal to feel anxious. Talking with your care team, asking questions, and involving family or friends in your care plan can help.
Will I need cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehab is often recommended. It’s a medically supervised program that includes exercise training, education on heart-healthy living and counseling to help reduce stress. It can help improve recovery and long-term heart health.
What lifestyle changes should I expect after surgery?
You may need to:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Manage stress
- Take medications as prescribed
These changes may help prevent future heart problems and improve your quality of life.
How do I know if something is wrong after surgery? Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, or discharge at the incision site
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the legs
Prompt attention can prevent complications.
Carondelet Health providers have the experience and capabilities to provide quality heart care close to home. If your doctor indicates that you are a candidate for heart surgery, make an appointment to understand your treatment options.