Minimally Invasive Options Offer Cure

Not all heart conditions can be resolved with minimally invasive procedures. When surgery is required, patients can take comfort in knowing that since bringing openheart surgery to western Kentucky in 1985, Western Baptist Hospital has performed more than 8,500 open-heart procedures— more than any hospital in the area.

What Is Open-Heart Surgery?

W. Robin Howe, M.D.

During open-heart surgery, a heartlung bypass machine supports the patient’s circulation while the chest is opened to make changes to the heart or its arteries. The surgery typically lasts about five hours, followed by a three-day hospital stay.

“Increased advances in interventional cardiology coupled with an experienced, dedicated surgical team have reduced patients’ recovery time,” said W. Robin Howe, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon at Western Baptist.

When Is It Necessary?

Open-heart surgery can correct different problems:

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG or “cabbage”). Increases blood flow obstructed by plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Heart valve. Replaces a defective valve.
• Treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF). Correct irregular heart rhythms.
• Repair of a congenital disease. Corrects heart defects that have been present since birth.
• Cardiac trauma. Repairs damage such as a stab wound.
• Tumor removal. Removes an abnormal growth from the heart.

Recovery

After a patient leaves the hospital, registered nurses phone the patient to check on his or her recovery. In a few weeks, the patient will enter a cardiac rehabilitation program to regain strength and reduce recovery time.