Cardiovascular surgery refers to surgical methods used in the treatment of diseases of the heart, the four major arteries, and other blood vessels.
In our Cardiovascular Surgery department, treatments for diseases that can occur in premature newborns, children, and adults are performed using the appropriate methods (open, closed, robotic surgery) for the suitable patient.
What is Cardiovascular Surgery?
The heart is one of the most important and vital organs in the body, possessing the muscle structure necessary for pumping blood. With the help of the heart muscle, blood is delivered to all cells in the body, thus transporting oxygen and nutrients. This organ, vital for human health, needs to be carefully protected and regularly examined and monitored.
Cardiovascular surgery refers to surgical methods used in the treatment of heart, four major artery, and other vascular diseases. Cardiovascular surgeons perform surgical procedures such as opening blocked coronary arteries, replacing heart valves, and remodeling heart valves in patients with heart failure.
What diseases does Cardiovascular Surgery treat?
- Heart attack
- Arterial hardening
- Hypertension
- Heart tumor
- Heart valve diseases
- Venous and arterial diseases
- Aortic diseases
- Heart failure
- Congenital heart diseases
- Varicose veins
- Mitral valve insufficiency
- Buerger's disease
- What are the procedures performed in Cardiovascular Surgery?
- Coronary Bypass Surgery
- Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
- Arterial Disease Intervention
- Venous Disease Intervention, Varicose vein Surgery
- Hybrid Application
- Minimally Incisional Heart Surgery
- Robotic Heart Surgery
- Aortic Surgery
- Heart Failure Surgery
- Congenital Heart Disease Surgery
- Robotic Heart Surgery
These are surgeries performed with the help of a robot through small incisions without stopping the heart. Heart surgeries that are performed with the normal classical method through 15-20 cm incisions can be performed with robotic heart surgery through incisions as small as 3-5 cm.
Robotic cardiac surgery can be used in mitral valve repair and replacement, repair of holes in the upper part of the heart, arrhythmia surgeries, coronary bypass surgery, and heart tumors.
Aortic Valve Replacement or Repair
Aortic valve diseases are treated when there is severe narrowing or insufficiency. There are two options: surgical replacement or repair of the valve, or replacement using a catheter. Surgical aortic valve replacement generally offers better long-term results.
Coronary Bypass
Coronary bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to resolve problems caused by blockages in the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply blood to the heart). This means that these blockages cause excessive fat and cholesterol deposits to form.
In coronary arteries with blockages, replacement arteries are placed or narrowed arteries are widened. This allows the heart to receive more oxygen and nutrients, reducing the risk of heart attack.
Heart Valve Surgeries
Heart valve surgeries are surgical procedures performed to treat congenital or acquired disorders of the heart valves. They are generally performed using open surgery. Commonly performed heart valve surgeries include aortic valve replacement, mitral valve disease, and tricuspid valve replacement.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive heart surgeries are performed through an incision under the breast, with fewer incisions than traditional heart surgery methods. This method preserves the integrity of the chest wall. It also results in less pain, a faster recovery process, and a lower risk of infection.
Mitral Valve Disease
The mitral valve is the valve located between the atrium and ventricle on the left side of the heart. Its function is to regulate the direction of blood flow to the heart and to prevent backflow when the heart contracts. When the valve cannot perform this function, insufficiency or stenosis occurs. In such a case, if drug treatments are insufficient, surgical methods or Mitraclip catheterization are recommended.
The choice of treatment for individuals with mitral valve disease is determined based on the patient's condition, symptoms, and the results of necessary examinations.
Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a serious condition caused by a tear in the inner lining of the aorta. This tear allows blood to leak between the layers of the aorta's wall. This can be potentially life-threatening and requires prompt intervention.
Chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, fainting, sweating, weakness, very severe abdominal pain and swelling are among the symptoms of aortic dissection (rupture).
Aortic dissection is a rare but life-threatening condition. High blood pressure is usually the most common cause. Other possible causes include trauma, atherosclerosis, and genetic factors.
Treatment for aortic dissection (rupture) includes surgery, medication, and endovascular methods. A cardiovascular surgeon develops a treatment plan based on the patient's condition and test results.
Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries)
Atherosclerosis is the process by which fat, cholesterol, and inflammatory waste accumulate in the inner layers of arteries, resulting in the formation of narrowed arteries called plaques. Fat deposits and blockages in the superficial, easily accessible arteries of the neck and arm can be easily diagnosed with ultrasound.
Furthermore, since the heart is located within the chest cavity, its vascular structures can be visualized using tomography or angiography. In addition, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, exercise stress tests, and cardiac scintigraphy can diagnose atherosclerosis, plaques, and blockages, as well as some hidden blockages.
If atherosclerotic plaques are not at a certain critical level, blood thinners and cholesterol-lowering medications are recommended to prevent blockages. Lifestyle changes are extremely important. Avoiding fatty foods and fast food, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, being active, and engaging in sports are particularly beneficial.
If atherosclerotic plaques are severe enough to impair the heart's blood supply, the blocked artery needs to be opened with a balloon or stent during angiography. In some cases, the patient's blocked arteries need to be replaced with vessels taken from the patient's leg or arm using a surgical procedure called bypass surgery.
Cardiac Aneurysm
A cardiac aneurysm occurs as an abnormal widening or bulging of the heart walls. This condition can negatively affect the heart's vascular structure and cardiovascular system.
A number of factors can contribute to the development of a heart aneurysm, ranging from coronary artery disease and heart infections to high blood pressure, traumatic injuries, and genetic factors.
Many people may not be aware of the presence of a heart aneurysm because the disease does not always show obvious symptoms. However, in some cases, symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, heart rhythm disturbances, dizziness, or fainting may occur.
If a heart aneurysm is not diagnosed early, it can pose serious health risks. In such a case, it is important for the person to consult a cardiovascular specialist. Medical imaging methods such as ECG, echocardiogram, MRI, and CT scan are used in the diagnosis of the disease.
If the aneurysm is not dangerous, the patient may only be kept under observation. However, if the condition is serious, surgical intervention or treatment methods such as stent placement may be necessary, as it can lead to complications such as heart failure or valve problems.
Things people should do to reduce their risk of heart aneurysms include: avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and keeping their blood pressure and cholesterol levels stable.
Varicose Vein Surgery
Varicose veins are the dilation of veins. Treatment options for varicose veins vary depending on the location of the varicose vein, the diameter of the vein, and the level of leakage. There are closed and open varicose vein treatment methods. The most suitable treatment option for the individual is determined by Doppler examination and necessary tests.
Heart Tumor Treatment
Heart tumors are generally rare. However, in some cases, cancerous cells can develop in the heart tissue. Early diagnosis of the tumor and determination of treatment options depend on the patient's overall condition.
