Cardiac Operations, Valve Replacements, Advantages and Disadvantages of Bio Prosthetic and Metallic Valves

Cardiac operations are performed if the medical therapy fails to achieve the desired goal namely better cardiac function, adequate tissue perfusion and prevention of complications. After going through this chapter, the reader will be knowledgeable about the operations involving the valves and annulus, corrective surgeries for congenital defects, operations to increase the Ejection Fraction, stroke volume and cardiac output, operations involving the pericardium and the pericardial cavity, operations to remove coronary blockage or bypass the blockage, operations to correct arrhythmia and the operations to remove cardiac tumors etc.. The indications, general steps involved, complications of the procedures and prognosis are discussed. The role of Echocardiogram (2D, M Mode and Doppler) in the diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Trans Esophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) is very useful during the surgical procedure under anesthesia to indicate the adequacy of the operation, guide the intracardiac instruments, identify and prevent any complications through better spatial resolution. Techniques and technology are constantly evolving which translate into better outcomes with lesser invasion and fewer complications.