About Cardiothoracic Surgery
Key Highlights
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Addresses life-threatening heart and chest conditions to improve survival rates.Can significantly relieve debilitating symptoms like chest pain (angina) and shortness of breath.Restores proper blood flow and heart function, enhancing overall quality of life.Includes both traditional open procedures and modern minimally invasive techniques for suitable candidates.Performed by highly specialized and extensively trained cardiac surgeons.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe coronary artery disease, especially when multiple arteries are blocked.
- Malfunctioning heart valves (stenosis or regurgitation) causing symptoms or heart strain.
- Large or symptomatic aortic aneurysms or dissections.
- Advanced heart failure that may require procedures like ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation or heart transplant.
- Certain congenital heart defects present from birth.
- Arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation) that require surgical ablation.
- Tumors or other diseases affecting the heart or structures within the chest.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative testing including blood work, ECG, echocardiogram, and often a coronary angiogram.
- Detailed consultation with the cardiac surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure and anesthesia.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as directed.
- Lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and dietary changes in the weeks prior.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
- Pre-operative shower with antiseptic soap to reduce infection risk.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after surgery, which may require transfusion or re-operation.
- Risk of infection at the incision site or within the chest (mediastinitis).
- Blood clots leading to stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may require temporary or permanent pacemaker.
- Reactions to anesthesia or the heart-lung bypass machine.
- Kidney dysfunction, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.
- Stroke or neurological complications.
- In rare cases, failure of the procedure or death.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial 1-2 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring of heart function and vital signs.
- Progressive mobilization, starting with sitting in a chair and walking short distances with assistance.
- Pain management with medications to keep discomfort controlled, especially with deep breathing and coughing.
- Incision care instructions to keep the surgical site clean and dry, watching for signs of infection.
- Participation in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program for guided exercise, education, and support.
- Gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, with strict avoidance of heavy lifting and driving as advised.
- Lifelong follow-up with the cardiologist and surgeon, along with adherence to prescribed medications (like blood thinners or statins).
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Typical hospital stay: 7-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cardiothoracic surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cardiothoracic surgery in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cardiothoracic surgery. MediFyr helps you compare cardiac surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cardiothoracic surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Cardiothoracic Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.
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Cardiac surgeons for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Explore experienced cardiac surgeons who regularly perform cardiothoracic surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
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Miot Hospital Chennai
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Miot Hospital Chennai
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
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Manipal Hospital Salem
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield
- 16 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 31 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 17 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 24 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Vijayawada
- 24 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram
- 38 Years Experience
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SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 9 Years Experience
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SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 12 Years Experience
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SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 18 Years Experience
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SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
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Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 16 Years Experience
- Cardiac surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal