by DrCiuffo | Jul 23, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery
Preparing for Heart Surgery Open heart surgery involves any kind of surgery where the chest has to be cut open to allow surgeons access to muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart. This type of surgery generally takes around 4 to 6 hours but it painless with the use of anesthesia. Any kind of surgery can cause stress and anxiety because of the worry that something will go wrong, but here are a few tips on preparing for your surgery: Talk to your doctor. Your doctor should know about any drugs you are taking. This includes any over-the-counter medication as well as vitamins and herbs. You should also tell your doctor about any diseases you have had including herpes, a cold, the flu, or even a fever. Don’t take certain medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. These medications are blood-thinning and can affect blood clotting. Be careful when you eat. It is recommended that you don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. Quit smoking. If you are having your heart surgery because of the harmful effects of smoking, you need to stop as soon as possible. Eat a healthy diet. Starting to eat healthier will lower your blood pressure and could help prevent heart complications after your surgery. These are just a few general preparation tips to think about before your surgery, but your doctor will talk to you about anything else you may want to consider if your surgery date is approaching. Dr. Chiuffo and the Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Program Dr. Chiuffo is dedicated... by DrCiuffo | Jul 15, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery
Botox for the Heart You might think that Botox is only for smoothing out wrinkles and erasing signs of aging, but new studies show that botox might actually be able to help heart surgery patients! It was discovered that shots of botox into the heart can keep its beating more regular and lower the risk of heart complications like stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure. Heart bypass surgery is one operation that results in 10-50% of patients to develop abnormal heart rhythms. The Test Dr. Johnathon Steinburg at the University of Rochester decided to test the effects of botox on heart surgery patients and gathered some very interesting results. After injecting Botox into the fat surrounding the heart of 50% of his heart surgery patients and saline into the other half to serve as a control, he discovered that of the patients who received the botox, only 7% developed arrhythmias. On the other hand, 30% of the control group developed arrhythmias. Additionally, a year after their operations, 0% of the botox injected group had abnormal heart patterns, compared to 27% of the saline group. How it Works Steinburg explains that by injecting botox into the area surrounding the heart, it paralyzes some excitatory signals that are typically sent to the heart after surgery. With fewer excitatory signals around the heart, its rhythm can stabilize more quickly. Not only can Botox be used on heart surgery patients, but Steinburg also believes it may be useful in treating other heart rhythm problems as well. Dr. Chiuffo and the Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Program Dr. Chiuffo is dedicated to ensuring... by DrCiuffo | Jul 9, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery
How Statins Reduce Complications Having heart surgery can be stressful because of the risk of complications. However, there is a way to reduce heart surgery complications: statins. Statins can lower your cholesterol and also have anti-inflammatory properties. Statins are effective in reducing cardiac complications like atrial fibrillation and can also reduce the risk of death during and after your heart surgery. You should use statins before and after your heart surgery for maximum usefulness. Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery With minimally invasive heart surgery, patients can now enjoy quicker and more comfortable recoveries. This type of surgery is available even to patients who have been diagnosed as inoperable or high-risk, though it is still a good idea to take statins before and after your surgery. This type of surgery involves a surgical incision through a thin muscle layer between the ribs. There is no need to cut through any bone as there would be with traditional heart surgery. Though complications with this kind of surgery are rare, they can include bleeding, stroke, or wound infection. However, taking statins should lower the risk of these complications even further and help you be back on your feet within a few days. Statins In addition to reducing the risk of heart complications after surgery, statins also have other benefits. Statins can help prevent chest pain, heart attacks, strokes, and intermittent claudication. Some examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol, Lescol XL), lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), and pitavastatin (Livalo). Dr. Chiuffo and the Minimally Invasive and Bloodless Heart Surgery Program Dr. Chiuffo is... by DrCiuffo | Apr 13, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery
Life After Heart Surgery If you or a family member has undergone heart surgery, you may already know what to expect for the days, weeks, and months that lead you into the recovery phase. Usually, your heart surgeon will educate you on the best ways to care for yourself or a family member who is scheduled for a procedure. However, ongoing care is just as crucial as the first phases of recovery to ensure the safest and healthiest outcome. While each case will vary depending on various factors, here is a general idea of what you can expect post heart surgery: Post Heart Surgery: One Year Follow-up During your ongoing care check-ups with your surgeon, you will undergo tests that include: Blood tests EKG Stress test Echocardiograms These are tests that will reveal how your heart is coming along after surgery. Some heart surgeries will require that you take medication for blood-thinning, and if that’s the case, it is routine for your doctor to test that you’re receiving the right amount of medicine as well. It Takes a Year to Recover from Heart Surgery The year that follows after heart surgery will consist of rebuilding your chest and back muscles that will be weak from your limited activity during the recovery months. Remember that your bone is knit together but in order to rebuild your strength and allow your nerves to heal, it will take a full year. It is common to feel pressure, pain, or a burning sensation in your chest, especially near the incision during your cardiac rehabilitation stages. Be sure to consult your physician if... by DrCiuffo | Mar 15, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery, Uncategorized
Proper Exercises Post Heart Surgery What exercises are recommended post heart surgery? Even though a procedure like heart surgery is very intense, it is extremely important to resume exercise to help aid the recovery process. There are particular exercises that have been doctor approved. General recovery time after a surgical heart procedure is between 6 and 8 weeks’ time, but everyone is different. Getting the proper amount of bed rest is highly suggested, but so is incorporating light and low-level activities. Sufficient Activities The number one, low-level activity that anyone can perform post heart surgery is walking, even if it is a slower pace. Never overdo your walking regiment, and if you are feeling pain – contact your physician. This light exercise with certainly help ensure that your muscles don’t atrophy from the bed rest and that your heart continues to be pushed a little in order to work out and help the body function properly. As you begin to heal, you will be able to pick up the pace and keep your body in motion; it will make you feel better all around because exercising releases endorphins. Weight training (very light) has benefits as well. It introduces aerobic exercise and allows the recovering patient to increases their range of motion. It also works muscles in a different form than walking. If the individual did not exercise a lot prior to the heart procedure, this is a great time to readjust their lifestyle and really not take anything for granted. Your physician may or may not suggest that you go to see a physical therapist, and this greatly depends... by DrCiuffo | Mar 9, 2016 | Blog, Heart Surgery
Mitral Valve Chordae Repair The facts of Mitral Valve Chordae Repair. We all know how incredibly important the heart is to the human body, without it, we cannot live. The heart responsible for pumping blood and oxygen in/out of our internal organs, if one part of the heart is not working properly, the issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The human heart is divided into four different ‘chambers’ and two different sides. All of the valves in the heart are very specific in the direction that they flow (one direction) and the Mitral Valve is located on the left side of the heart. The Mitral Valve Specifically is a part of the heart that receives newly oxygenated blood directly from the lungs themselves. When the Mitral Valve stops working in one direction, it is called either Mitral regurgitation or Mitral insufficiency. If the regurgitation is not that serious, it can typically be treated with prescribed medications. Oftentimes this type of issue may be found during a regular physical exam. If the Mitral Valve leak becomes significant though, it can lead to congestive heart failure, shortness of breath and even difficulty during regular exercising. If someone has this condition and it is not treated properly – it can lead to lung damage. Next Steps With Mitral Valve Chordae repair, it will ensure that the leaflets that are located within the Mitral Valve itself will line up properly and make the valve a one direction valve again. There will be no more concerns surrounding insufficiency of regurgitation and nine times out of ten, this will remove any issues. This is why it...
