We see people with all types of heart issues. These can be simple or complex. Common health issues that we treat with open heart surgery include:
Blood clots. When people get plaque buildup in their arteries, the vessel can rupture. That can cause a blood clot and cut off oxygen. If the clot is in an artery feeding the heart muscle, the clot can cause severe damage.
Aortic dissection. When the main blood vessel that leaves the heart (aorta) tears. Tears cause blood to leak into the wall of the blood vessel. It is life-threatening and requires treatment right away.
Mitral valve prolapse. When a valve doesn’t close right, it leaks, and blood flows the wrong way. When blood flows backward, it’s called mitral valve regurgitation. It can cause dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or fatigue.