Congenital and Acquired Heart Defects — Surgical treatment With the Heart-lung Machine in the Best Hospitals in the World
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Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in the surgical treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and lung cancer! The department offers the full range of surgical services for the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, including heart and lung transplantation, artificial heart implantation. The therapeutic options include aortic surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, transplantation surgery, surgical treatment of heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), minimally invasive surgery, surgical treatment of the heart valves, including reconstructive interventions. All operations are performed using state-of-the-art technology and in accordance with the current recommendations of professional societies.
Department of Cardiac Surgery
The Department of Cardiac Surgery provides a full range of surgical treatment in its area of specialization. Special emphasis is placed on heart valve repair and replacement surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting, thoracic aortic surgery, adult congenital and acquired heart disease surgery, pacemaker and defibrillator implantation, and artificial heart implantation for severe heart failure. Many heart operations are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which has a positive effect on the healing of the surgical wound. Minimally invasive cardiac procedures also reduce surgical risks and contribute to a rapid recovery of the patient in the postoperative period. Surgical treatment of cardiac pathologies is performed in advanced operating rooms equipped with the latest technology. The cardiac surgeons of the department successfully perform routine and complex surgical procedures, saving the lives of thousands of patients. The specialists work in accordance with current clinical protocols and follow the recommendations of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG).
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery provides effective surgical treatment for diseases of the heart, respiratory system, and blood vessels. The team of cardiac surgeons operates on patients with heart valve pathologies, coronary heart disease, heart failure, and heart rhythm disturbances. In the field of thoracic surgery, the key focus is on the surgical removal of lung tumors and lung metastases. The specialists in this area also perform surgery to repair chest wall deformities. In the field of vascular surgery, interventions for abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms are most often performed here. The department's vascular surgeons are also exceptionally competent in the treatment of peripheral occlusive arterial disease. A great advantage for the department's patients is that almost all surgical interventions are performed using minimally invasive techniques, so there is no need for a long postoperative recovery. The department's operating rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This allows for effective and safe treatment. The priority is always personalized medical care for patients.
In 1953, DNA was discovered, and Mount Everest was conquered. And this year, a great invention was used for the first time, namely a heart-lung machine (also known as a cardiopulmonary bypass machine). On May 6, 1953, John Gibbon successfully completed his life's work by becoming the first person in the world to close an atrial septal defect in a young woman using a heart-lung machine of his own invention. Seven decades later, other devices are used, but the treatment principles remain the same: as long as the device connected to the patient’s blood circulation ensures the movement of blood to organs and tissues, surgeons can perform all the manipulations necessary for recovery on his heart.
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Surgical procedures are performed through an open approach, although they can sometimes be performed thoracoscopically using robot-assisted surgical techniques.
You can seek medical attention at the University Hospital Essen, the University Hospital Oldenburg, or the University Hospital Ulm.
Do not hesitate to use the services of the Booking Health company. We will take care of all the arrangements for your trip abroad. Our employees will help you choose a hospital and a doctor. They will also book hotel and airline tickets, meet you at the airport abroad, and take you to the hospital by car.
What is a heart-lung machine?
A heart-lung machine is a device that replaces the functions of the heart and lungs for the duration of the operation. This system contains both mechanical and physiological units.
The mechanical unit includes pumps and electronic control systems for its operation. The physiological unit includes an extracorporeal circuit, the main unit of which is an oxygenator that replaces lung function. It oxygenates the blood and removes carbon dioxide. Cardiosurgery departments abroad use membrane oxygenators, which almost do not injure blood cells and proteins and ensure optimal gas exchange.
During surgical treatment with the heart-lung machine, the device is connected to the patient's circulatory system in various ways, depending on the type of surgery. Cardiopulmonary bypass machines are most commonly connected to the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and aorta. But if the opening of the heart is not planned (for example, in the case of coronary artery bypass grafting), only a venous catheter can be connected. During operations on the aorta, heart-lung machines are often connected through the femoral artery.
What conditions can be treated with the use of a heart-lung machine?
Cardiosurgery doctors can treat many diseases with the use of heart-lung machines, including:
- congenital heart defects;
- coronary artery disease (CAD);
- acquired heart defects;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- left ventricular aneurysms.
Most heart operations are performed for heart defects and coronary heart disease.
Surgical procedures with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass machines are open operations performed with the opening of the chest. The recovery time for patients after such operations is several months.
You can undergo your cardiac surgery abroad to get good results and reduce the risk of complications. The Booking Health website lists the best hospitals with cardiosurgery departments. On our website, you can see the surgical treatment cost depending on the type of operation, compare prices at different clinics, and choose a medical care program at a favorable price. Our specialists will help you choose the most suitable clinic with a high success rate of operations.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
ECR - European Cardiology Review
