Heart Surgery
Valvular Heart Surgery
Your cardiac surgeon will discuss with you whether he will repair or replace your diseased heart valve.
If your heart valve must be replaced, your doctor will decide which valve is more appropriate for your heart. There are two types of valves:
- The tissue valve (also known as a porcine valve)
- The mechanical valve
Atrial Septal Defect
Sometimes at birth the wall that divides the heart's upper chambers (the right and left atrium) does not close all the way and there may be a hole that lets blood flow between the chambers of the heart. If the hole size is significant and needs to be repaired the cardiac surgeon may sew the hole closed or may use a "patch" to sew it closed.
Aneurysms of the Heart Muscle
Bulging or ballooning of an area of the heart muscle may occur after a heart attack. This bulging or ballooning area is referred to as an aneurysm. The area of heart muscle that is bulging or ballooning does not contract or pump well. During surgery, the bulge is cut out or patched.
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