Our Summary

The introduction of specialized programs in thoracic surgery is encouraging more medical students to choose careers in heart surgery. However, there is limited teaching on this subject in the general medical curriculum. To address this, a short elective course was offered to students, providing lessons and practical simulations on various topics related to heart surgery.

The course consisted of five sessions, each lasting two hours. Topics included cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (technologies that support or replace heart and lung function), diseases affecting the aorta (the main artery in the body), aortic valve replacement, transplants and left ventricular assist devices (devices that help the heart pump blood), and coronary artery bypass grafting (a procedure that improves blood flow to the heart).

A total of 22 students attended at least one session of the course, with most of them (68.2%) attending at least three out of five sessions. Before and after each session, students were asked to rate their understanding of the topics. The results showed that students felt they had significantly more understanding of all the topics after the sessions. The largest increase in confidence came from the sessions on cardiopulmonary bypass/extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and aortic disease.

This suggests that well-structured teaching and practical simulations can improve students’ confidence in their knowledge of heart surgery. Further research is needed to see how long this improved confidence lasts and whether it influences students’ career choices.

FAQs

  1. What topics were covered in the short elective course on heart surgery?
  2. Did the course help improve students’ understanding and confidence in the subject of heart surgery?
  3. What was the attendance rate for the elective course and how many sessions were offered?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include guidelines on fasting before surgery, taking medications as directed, and avoiding certain foods or activities. Following these instructions can help optimize the success of the surgery and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, it is important for the patient to communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare team to ensure they are well-informed and prepared for the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cardiac surgery include those with coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart defects, aortic aneurysms, and heart failure. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness, or they may have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. The decision to recommend cardiac surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient’s overall health, the severity of their condition, and the potential benefits and risks of surgery.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a heart condition or disease that requires surgical intervention
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments, including blood tests, imaging studies, and consultations with the surgical team
  • Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of the surgery, and a treatment plan is developed
  • Patient may undergo prehabilitation to optimize their health before surgery

After cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is admitted to the hospital and undergoes the surgical procedure
  • Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery
  • Patient gradually transitions to a regular hospital room as they recover
  • Patient participates in cardiac rehabilitation to improve their strength and cardiovascular health
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare team for ongoing care and monitoring

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after cardiac surgery involves a series of assessments, procedures, and rehabilitation efforts to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient’s heart health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cardiac surgery include:

  1. What specific type of cardiac surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome or success rate of this surgery?
  4. What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before opting for surgery?
  6. How many times have you performed this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  7. Will I need any follow-up care or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. What lifestyle changes or medications will I need to take after the surgery?
  9. What is the long-term outlook for my heart health after this surgery?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with the anesthesiologist or other members of the surgical team before the procedure?

Asking these questions can help patients feel more informed and comfortable about undergoing cardiac surgery.

Reference

Authors: Coyan G, Kilcoyne M, Aranda-Michel E, Serna-Gallegos D, Kilic A, Kinnunen A, Sultan I. Journal: Heart Surg Forum. 2022 Feb 8;25(1):E113-E117. doi: 10.1532/hsf.4215. PMID: 35238314