What is Minimally Invasive Arterial Surgery?
Minimally invasive arterial surgery is the set of techniques used to treat inflammatory arthropathies. During the procedure, it is not necessary to stop the heart, so there is no need to connect a heart-lung machine to perform the intervention.
Why is it performed?
The surgery is performed because of a blockage in one or two coronary arteries, usually at the front of the heart. When one or more of the coronary arteries are partially or totally blocked, it does not receive enough blood. This can cause chest pain among other discomforts.
It should be noted that this type of disease can also be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor himself or even by cardiac rehabilitation and other treatments.
What does it consist of?
The cardiovascular surgeon is in charge of performing this operation, which consists of making a surgical incision of 8 to 10 centimeters on the left side of the chest between the ribs. In order to reach the heart, the muscles in the area are moved aside and the costal cartilage, a small part of the front of the rib, is removed. Once the area is prepared, the surgeon connects the internal mammary artery to the artery that is blocked.
It is not necessary to connect a heart-lung machine, but a device to reduce cardiac activity may be connected.
Preparing for minimally invasive arterial surgery
It is possible that days before the operation, the doctor may ask you to stop taking medications that make it difficult for your blood to clot. In addition, it is important to ask your doctor what type of medication you can continue to take.
It is also advisable to stop smoking, for which you can also ask your doctor for help.
You can not drink or eat anything from the night before the operation. In case you have to take any indicated medication, take it with a prudent amount of water.
Care after the operation
The patient can return to normal life in two to three weeks after the operation. It is normal to feel tired, experience breathing difficulties and pain in the wound.
Once home, it is important to check your pulse daily, do breathing exercises for rehabilitation, eat a healthy diet and exercise in moderation such as short, leisurely walks.