This page contains information about the more common surgical procedures that you might be advised to undergo.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
In patients with heart disease the blood vessels in the heart may become narrowed through a process that involves hardening and thickening of the arteries. This can restrict the amount of blood entering the heart. When the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood supply, it can cause chest pain, chest tightness or shortness of breath. On occasions the blood vessels may become completely blocked and cause a heart attack.
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery involves taking an artery or vein from either the leg, inside of the chest wall or arm and attaching (grafting) it to the diseased artery above and below the point of narrowing. It is one of the commonest heart operations performed not just in Northern Ireland but throughout the UK.
Valve Repair and/or Replacement
Valves are specialised tissues which facilitate passage of blood between the chambers of the heart. Disease of the valves involves calcification which narrows the valve or degeneration or infection (endocarditis) which allows the valves to become leaky.
It is always better to repair the valve if it is technically possible and there is no leakage left after the repair. Otherwise either a tissue or mechanical valve replacement will be fitted.
Thoracic Aortic Surgery
The thoracic aorta is a blood vessel which arises from the heart and takes oxygenated blood to all organs in the body. An aneurysm occurs when the blood vessel ‘balloons’ or expands in one portion. It occur’s as the result of genetic factor’s or because of acquired factors such as high blood pressure.
Surgery performed for repair of an aneurysm can be a planned procedure (elective) or an emergency. The problem with a dilatation of the arterial wall is the weakening that results as the wall of the blood vessel enlarges. This makes it prone to rupture or dissection. When an aneurysm reaches a certain size it is operated on as a planned elective procedure. Emergency operations are offered when the aneurysm ruptures or dissects.