Technically, “open heart surgery” refers to any cardiac procedure in which the chest is opened surgically. The heart itself may or may not be “opened” during this form of surgery. This approach may be used to correct problems in the:
Heart muscle.
Arteries.
Valves.
Other related structures.
In traditional open heart surgery, the heart actually is stopped and the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that does the work of the heart and lungs while the surgeon performs the procedure. This type of operation requires a 6- to 8-inch incision in the chest and may involve temporary placement of a pacemaker to help regulate your heartbeat. You’ll likely remain in the hospital for four to eight days after the operation, and it may take at least five to eight weeks for you to recover. Although every case is different, this type of surgery is best for people who:
Need multiple coronary artery bypass procedures.
Have a complex aortic issue requiring a complicated cardiac operation.
Have had heart surgery in the past.