Your Guide to Cardiac Surgery

Your Guide to Cardiac Surgery By Dr. Dhiren Shah, Senior Cardiac Surgeon, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad

Jul 2, 2025 - 11:43
Jul 3, 2025 - 11:53
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Your Guide to Cardiac Surgery

Introduction – What Is Cardiac Surgery?

Cardiac (heart) surgery is a treatment used when medications and lifestyle changes alone are not enough to manage heart problems. It involves repairing or replacing parts of the heart to restore normal blood flow, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

In India, with growing awareness and advanced hospitals like Marengo CIMS, more patients are choosing cardiac surgery early—before complications arise.

Common Reasons for Heart Surgery:

  • Blocked arteries (coronary artery disease)

  • Valve problems (leaking or narrowing)

  • Congenital (from birth) heart defects

  • Aneurysms (bulging in a blood vessel)

  • Heart failure not managed by medicines


Types of Heart Surgeries We Perform

At our centre under Dr. Dhiren Shah’s expert care, we offer multiple types of cardiac surgeries (not limited to) :

1. CABG (Bypass Surgery)

  • Bypasses blocked arteries using a blood vessel from your leg or chest

  • Restores blood supply to heart muscles

  • Best for patients with multiple blockages

2. Valve Repair/Replacement

  • For valves that are leaking (regurgitation) or narrowed (stenosis)

  • Mechanical or tissue valves may be used

  • Sometimes done via minimally invasive surgery

3. Aortic Surgery (e.g., Bentall Procedure)

  • For conditions like aneurysms or dissections (tears) in the main artery

  • Requires precision and urgent action in emergencies

4. Heart Transplant

  • For patients with end-stage heart failure

  • Very few centres in India offer this—CIMS is among them

5. MICS (Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery)

  • Done through small cuts without opening the whole chest

  • Faster recovery, less pain, smaller scars


Preparing for Surgery

Before Surgery:

  1. Medical Tests

    • Blood tests, ECG, Chest X-ray, Echo, Angiography

    • These help plan your surgery safely

  2. Medications

    • Some may need to be stopped (like blood thinners)

    • You will be guided on which medicines to continue

  3. Diet & Lifestyle

    • Eat light before surgery

    • Avoid smoking or alcohol

    • Manage stress – yoga and meditation help

  4. Counselling & Consent

    • You and your family will be explained the procedure in detail

    • Risks and outcomes will be honestly discussed

    • Consent forms are signed after all doubts are cleared


The Day of Surgery

What Happens in the Operation Theatre:

  • You will be given anesthesia (sleep-inducing medicine)

  • Surgery may take 3–6 hours depending on complexity

  • Your chest may be opened partially or fully

  • A heart-lung machine is used to circulate blood during surgery

  • After surgery, you will be shifted to the ICU for monitoring


Recovery After Surgery

In the Hospital:

  • ICU stay: 1–2 days

  • Ward stay: 5–7 days

  • Pain is managed with medicines

  • Tubes and wires (drains, oxygen, pacing wires) are removed gradually

  • Physiotherapy starts early to help you walk and breathe better

At Home:

  • Follow-up visits are crucial

  • You may return to routine in 6–8 weeks

  • Avoid heavy lifting for 2–3 months

  • Take your medicines on time

  • Monitor BP, sugar, and weight regularly

  • Inform doctor immediately if there’s fever, chest pain, or breathlessness


Life After Heart Surgery – A New Chapter

With modern techniques and timely care, most patients live a healthy and active life after heart surgery. Some tips for a heart-healthy future:

  • Eat home-cooked food with less oil and salt

  • Walk at least 30 minutes daily

  • Avoid stress – focus on peace and purpose

  • Quit smoking or tobacco use

  • Keep regular follow-ups with Dr. Dhiren Shah


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will I have a scar?

Yes, but it fades over time. In MICS surgery, scars are much smaller.

2. Will I be able to drive or travel?

Yes, after 6–8 weeks and only once Dr. Shah clears you.

3. Can I go back to work?

Yes! Many patients return to work in 1–2 months depending on their job type.

4. Do I need surgery again?

Rarely. With proper care and follow-ups, most surgeries last a lifetime.


About Dr. Dhiren Shah

Dr. Dhiren Shah is a renowned cardiac surgeon with thousands of successful operations. He leads a dedicated team at Marengo CIMS Hospital, known for complex heart transplants, minimally invasive surgeries, and emergency cardiac care.

+91 9825575933

For Appointments:

📍 Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad
📞 +91 98255 75933
🌐 www.cims.org

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