What Is Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS)?
Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS) is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the heart and vascular system using surgical methods. This field plays a vital role in the treatment of life-threatening conditions such as heart valve diseases, vascular occlusions, congenital heart disorders, aneurysms, and circulatory system disorders.
Cardiovascular surgery aims to improve patients’ life expectancy and quality of life through open-heart surgeries and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Which Diseases Does Cardiovascular Surgery Treat?
Cardiovascular surgery is responsible for the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a wide range of heart and vascular diseases.
Diseases Treated in Cardiovascular Surgery
Coronary Artery Disease
Occurs due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries supplying the heart. If left untreated, it increases the risk of heart attack.
Heart Valve Diseases
Conditions involving stenosis or insufficiency of the heart valves. Advanced cases may require valve surgery.
Heart Rhythm Disorders (Arrhythmias)
Characterized by irregular, fast, or slow heartbeats.
Aortic and Aneurysm Diseases
Include enlargement or conditions with a risk of rupture of the main artery.
Peripheral Vascular Diseases
Circulatory disorders caused by narrowing or blockage of arteries in the arms and legs.
Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency
Develop due to valve failure in the veins.
Carotid (Neck Artery) Diseases
Narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain, increasing the risk of stroke.
Congenital Heart Diseases
Structural heart abnormalities present from birth.
What Are the Symptoms of Heart and Vascular Diseases?
Heart and vascular diseases often progress silently. The most common symptoms include:
If one or more of these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought without delay.
Diagnostic Methods in Cardiovascular Surgery
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. The main diagnostic methods used in cardiovascular surgery include:
These methods allow detailed evaluation of vascular blockages, valve disorders, and heart function.
Treatment Methods in Cardiovascular Surgery
Different surgical treatments are applied depending on the type and severity of the disease.
Main Treatment Options
Coronary Bypass Surgery
Restores blood flow by grafting new vessels to bypass blocked coronary arteries.
Heart Valve Surgery
Damaged valves are repaired or replaced with artificial valves.
Aneurysm Surgery
Repair of balloon-like dilations in the vessel wall.
Heart Transplantation
Considered a last resort for patients with advanced heart failure.
Pacemaker Implantation
Used to regulate heart rhythm in severe arrhythmias.
Varicose Vein Surgery
Performed using laser, radiofrequency, or surgical techniques.
What Is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery?
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery involves procedures performed through small incisions without fully opening the chest. This approach is preferred for suitable patients.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Recovery Process After Cardiovascular Surgery
The recovery process consists of three main stages:
1. Intensive care and hospital stay
2. Home care period
3. Cardiac rehabilitation
Regular follow-up visits, proper medication use, and lifestyle modifications are essential during this process.
Recommendations for Protecting Heart and Vascular Health
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardiovascular Surgery
What does cardiovascular surgery deal with?
It focuses on the surgical treatment of heart, arterial, and venous diseases.
Is coronary bypass surgery risky?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks; however, success rates are very high with modern techniques.
Can life return to normal after heart valve surgery?
With appropriate treatment and regular follow-up, patients can return to their daily lives.