There is a perception that cardiac surgery is very complex and has a high risk for the patient.
At present, cardiac surgery can be performed with excellent results and very low risk. The risk is individual for each patient, and is determined by advanced age, the cardiac problem to be solved, the contractile function of the heart and the accompanying pathologies or diseases (diabetes, renal insufficiency, respiratory problems, previous embolisms, etc.). In addition, our Smart Cardiac Surgery Program includes minimally invasive surgery, valve repair surgery without the use of artificial prostheses, post-operative awakening in the same operating room, post-operative pain control, fast-track recovery protocols and minimizing the use of blood transfusions.
What exactly does minimally invasive cardiac surgery consist of?
It basically consists of being able to perform the operation through much smaller incisions. We can perform aortic valve surgery through a wound as small as 8 cm. The advantages go beyond cosmetic reasons, because with these techniques we reduce surgical aggression, bleeding and infection. In addition, the patient recovers faster and can return to normal life much sooner.
Why is it beneficial to perform valve repair surgery instead of implanting artificial prostheses?
Although modern valve prostheses are very efficient and allow us to solve the problem of many patients, whenever possible, it is very important to try to perform conservative or valve repair surgery. The advantages are multiple: firstly, we preserve the architecture and structure of the heart better and favor its contractile function; secondly, we avoid the patient having to take anticoagulant medication such as Simtrom; and thirdly, we improve the results and reduce operative and postoperative complications.
Is it really important not to transfuse blood to cardiac surgery patients?
In the case of cardiac surgery, there is a great deal of scientific evidence that allows us to ensure that the patient who does not require transfusions has better results: lower mortality, fewer complications and a faster recovery.