What conditions can require open heart surgery?

Several conditions can require open heart surgery to resolve or address underlying issues. Here are some common conditions that may necessitate open heart surgery:

1. Coronary artery disease (CAD): This condition occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque. Open heart surgery, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), may be performed to restore blood flow to the heart by bypassing the blocked arteries.

2. Valvular heart disease: This refers to conditions affecting the valves in the heart, which can cause them to become narrowed or leaky. When valves malfunction, it can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. Open heart surgery, such as valve repair or valve replacement, may be needed to restore proper valve function.

3. Congenital heart defects: These are conditions with which a person is born, affecting the structure of the heart or the major blood vessels connected to the heart. Depending on the severity and complexity of the defect, open heart surgery may be necessary to correct or repair the abnormal structures and restore normal function.

4. Aortic aneurysm: This condition involves a bulge or enlargement in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood away from the heart. If the aneurysm becomes too large or weakens significantly, open heart surgery may be performed to repair or replace the affected section of the aorta.

5. Infective endocarditis: This is a rare but serious infection of the lining of the heart chambers and valves, usually caused by bacterial infection. In severe cases where the infection damages the heart valves or causes significant complications, open heart surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue, repair the valves, or replace damaged structures.

6. Myocardial infarction (heart attack): In cases where a heart attack has caused significant damage to the heart muscle, open heart surgery may be required to repair the damaged tissue, reconstruct blood flow, or provide mechanical support to the heart.

These conditions represent a few examples where open heart surgery may be deemed necessary to address serious heart problems and restore heart function. The specific procedure performed during open heart surgery depends on the underlying condition being treated, and it's always important to consult with a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment recommendations.