Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG):
Coronary artery bypass surgery is the most frequently performed heart operation and one of the most successful surgical methods for relieving chest pain. It may prevent heart attacks, prolong life and improve quality of life.
The heart muscle receives its blood and oxygen through the coronary arteries. Coronary artery bypass surgery bypasses one or more blockages in the coronary arteries. The bypass increases blood flow to the heart muscle to relieve chest pain (angina) and improve heart function.
Heart valve surgery:
Heart valves can be repaired or replaced. Whenever possible, the heart care team works to repair your heart valve. Other times, the damaged heart valve may require replacement. Replacement valves are made of animal tissue, such as porcine (pig) or bovine (cow), or can be mechanical. You and your surgeon will work together to decide which valve option is best for you. You’ll also discuss whether you are a candidate for traditional open-heart surgery, minimally invasive valve surgery or percutaneous (catheter) replacement procedure.
Beaumont is a leader in minimally invasive cardiac surgery procedures. We perform some of the highest volumes of these procedures in the nation while maintaining excellent clinical outcomes.
If you suffer from valve disease, you may be a candidate for a less invasive approach called minimally invasive valve surgery (MIVS). In this approach, aortic, mitral or tricuspid valve repair/replacement is performed through a small two-to-three inch incision. These MIVS procedures minimize your surgical incision size, reduce trauma, limit potential complications and promote a faster recovery than traditional open-heart surgery.
Beaumont’s heart team will work together with you, your family and your referring physician to make the best decision for your care. If you have critical aortic stenosis (narrowing of aortic heart valve) or other valvular problems, you will be evaluated for the least invasive procedure. The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) procedures are less invasive and replaces your valve using a catheter without general anesthesia. This reduces recovery time and limits possible complications, so you can be discharged from the hospital and return to everyday activities sooner.
Aortic repair:
Aortic repair may be used on a patient with a diagnosis of aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm. Beaumont was one of the first in Michigan to provide patients conscious sedation for thoracic endovascular aortic repair. This eliminates the need of general anesthesia. Conscious sedation is safe and more comfortable for patients and allows surgeons to talk to the patient during the procedure keeping them calmer and relaxed. Beaumont's heart team provides a cooperative approach to the patient gleaning insight from the cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons and anesthesiologists to provide the patient the best possible care.
- Aortic dissection: An aortic dissection is a tear in the inner lining of the aorta creating a space between the inner and outer layers. If blood leaks into that space, potentially fatal conditions can occur, including heart attack or stroke.
- Aortic aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge that occurs in the wall of the aorta; a major blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. Open abdominal surgery, minimally invasive endovascular aneurysm repair or percutaneous endovascular stent grafts are potential treatment options for repair of your aortic aneurysm. You surgeon will determine the best treatment option.
In combination with your cardiac surgery, you may be a candidate for the MAZE procedure. The MAZE is performed during surgery to treat atrial fibrillation. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a pattern of scarring that prevents abnormal electrical activity from traveling through carefully identified areas of the heart muscle. Your surgeon will determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Congenital birth defects:
Congenital heart defects are abnormalities that occur at birth.
- Atrial septal defect repair: An atrial septal defect occurs when the wall that divides the heart’s upper chambers does not close completely at birth, leaving a hole that allows blood flow through the upper chambers. This is abnormal and may cause respiratory difficulties or irregular heartbeats. During surgery, the hole can be sewn together or patched with either the lining of the heart or synthetic material.
- Patent foramen ovale repair: A small flap-like opening called a foramen ovale normally develops between the wall between the right and left upper chambers of the heart after birth. Rarely, this temporary hole in the heart doesn’t close. While many people with this condition do not have any problems with blood leaking abnormally between the upper heart chambers, some may require repair.
- Ventricular septal defect repair: Sometimes at birth, the wall that divides the heart’s lower chambers does not develop properly, leaving a hole that allows abnormal blood flow. This condition may cause the heart to work harder to provide enough oxygen to the body. During surgery, the hole is either sewn together, or patched with the lining of the heart or synthetic material instead.