Our Summary

This paper describes a technique used during complex heart surgery to keep blood flowing to the heart, brain and the rest of the body. The authors used a specialized heart-lung machine to achieve this. This machine uses two types of pumps, one to pump blood to the arteries and another to ensure blood reaches the brain. The procedure was performed on 18 patients over a three-year period. During this time, the researchers did not observe any complications related to the machine or the process used to connect it to the patients. The average time the machine was used was around four hours, with just under an hour of this time used for the simultaneous blood flow to the heart, brain and rest of the body. Only one patient experienced a temporary neurological issue, which resolved during their stay in intensive care. No patients experienced any permanent neurological issues or organ dysfunction. The researchers concluded that their technique is effective for this type of complex heart surgery and can also be used in follow-up procedures.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the specialized heart-lung machine used during complex heart surgery?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the effectiveness and safety of this technique?
  3. Did any patients experience complications or lasting effects from the use of the heart-lung machine?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs to aid in recovery and improve long-term outcomes. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking to reduce the risk of future heart problems.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery are those who have severe coronary artery disease, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack if the blood flow is significantly reduced or blocked. Patients with multiple blockages in their coronary arteries, or those who have not responded well to other treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes, may be candidates for heart bypass surgery. Additionally, patients with diabetes, a history of smoking, or other risk factors for heart disease may also be recommended for this procedure.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery:

  • Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the extent of blockages in the arteries and the overall health of the heart
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms and improve heart function
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure
  • Patient meets with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes

During heart bypass surgery:

  • Patient is given anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and do not feel any pain during the procedure
  • Surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart
  • Surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (such as the leg) and uses it to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked artery
  • Surgeon may use a heart-lung machine to keep blood flowing to the heart, brain, and rest of the body during the procedure
  • Surgery typically lasts several hours, depending on the number of blockages being bypassed

After heart bypass surgery:

  • Patient is moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring and recovery
  • Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the chest and incision site
  • Patient is gradually weaned off the ventilator and other medical devices used during surgery
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed on how to care for themselves at home, including medications, diet, and exercise recommendations
  • Patient follows up with their healthcare team for ongoing monitoring and support to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of using a specialized heart-lung machine during heart bypass surgery?
  2. How does the specialized heart-lung machine work to keep blood flowing to the heart, brain, and the rest of the body?
  3. What are the potential risks or complications associated with using a specialized heart-lung machine during heart bypass surgery?
  4. How long is the average time that the specialized heart-lung machine is used during heart bypass surgery?
  5. Have there been any cases of neurological issues or organ dysfunction related to the use of the specialized heart-lung machine in this study?
  6. Can this technique be used in follow-up procedures after heart bypass surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative techniques or methods that can be used instead of a specialized heart-lung machine during heart bypass surgery?
  8. What are the potential benefits of using a specialized heart-lung machine during complex heart surgery?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in using a specialized heart-lung machine for heart bypass surgery?
  10. What is the success rate of using a specialized heart-lung machine in achieving optimal outcomes for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery?

Reference

Authors: Maier S, Kari F, Rylski B, Siepe M, Benk C, Beyersdorf F. Journal: J Extra Corpor Technol. 2016 Sep;48(3):122-128. PMID: 27729705