K
Kandice
I would like to clear up some misconceptions about this procedure, I have talked to 3 heart surgeon and yesterday to my cardiologist. So here is their opinions and caveats. Oh and also the pre op nurse that helps patients with questions and what to expect.
I 've had numerous well intentioned people tell me I am lucky to have the minimally invasive approach because its less painful and easier.
Some of this information is correct but some is wrong.
My husband and I ( he is a orthopedic surgeion) first met with the cardiac surgeon in Portland OR, Dr Oakies very well respected and an excellent cardiac surgeion. He informed us after I stated I was interested in the minimally invasive procedure . He stated He did not do that procedure but felt it definitely has benefits. His caveat was it is a more painful procedure. We thought he must have been mistaken because we thought it was suppose to be easier.
So the benefit according to him was
1. less possiblity of developing cardiac arrythymias such as atrial fib, due to the way the heart is accessed and SA node ( controls heart beat and rhythym) is less traumatized.
2. Some other technical things also which benifit the heart.can't remember
3. Better overall recovery maybe faster, but still have the same fatigue and energy issues.
4. Cosmetically you can't see the scar when recovered.
You can't have this approach if you need a cardiac bypass, so you are screened with an angiogram for coronary heart disease.
My 3rd day post op we had a conversation with the cardiac fellow that works with Dr Patracek I was concerned because I had gotten out of control with my pain the day before and was continuing to have trouble with pain management. He explained that the minimally invasive or he called it a thoracotomy is one of the most painful surgeries people can have. The reason being is they have to go through muscle and nerves and spread the ribs. He stated that the traditional sternotomy is still painful but because the bone is so close to the skin there isn't muscle or major nerves to go through. That made me feel better because I started thinking something was wrong.
Yesterday I talked to my cardiologist and she also stated that some surgeons elect not to do the minimally invasive due to pain management. She stated people hear the word "minimal" and assume that it is easier.
After all this I still recommend the procedure because there are real medical benefits, although I think everyone is different and we should make this decision with a trusted doctor.
I think in the long run that I may heal faster than the sternotomy,
Discharge instrctions per Dr. Patracek:
1. Walk everyday!!
2. Take it easy for 12 weeks
3. No lifting for 8 weeks !!!!
4. No driving for 8 weeks
5. Monitor BP twice daily, take temperature daily
6. Keep BP systolic under about 130 with exercise.
I hope this clears up and helps those who choose this procedure , not to scare peoplet but to give the real information.
Kandice
I 've had numerous well intentioned people tell me I am lucky to have the minimally invasive approach because its less painful and easier.
Some of this information is correct but some is wrong.
My husband and I ( he is a orthopedic surgeion) first met with the cardiac surgeon in Portland OR, Dr Oakies very well respected and an excellent cardiac surgeion. He informed us after I stated I was interested in the minimally invasive procedure . He stated He did not do that procedure but felt it definitely has benefits. His caveat was it is a more painful procedure. We thought he must have been mistaken because we thought it was suppose to be easier.
So the benefit according to him was
1. less possiblity of developing cardiac arrythymias such as atrial fib, due to the way the heart is accessed and SA node ( controls heart beat and rhythym) is less traumatized.
2. Some other technical things also which benifit the heart.can't remember
3. Better overall recovery maybe faster, but still have the same fatigue and energy issues.
4. Cosmetically you can't see the scar when recovered.
You can't have this approach if you need a cardiac bypass, so you are screened with an angiogram for coronary heart disease.
My 3rd day post op we had a conversation with the cardiac fellow that works with Dr Patracek I was concerned because I had gotten out of control with my pain the day before and was continuing to have trouble with pain management. He explained that the minimally invasive or he called it a thoracotomy is one of the most painful surgeries people can have. The reason being is they have to go through muscle and nerves and spread the ribs. He stated that the traditional sternotomy is still painful but because the bone is so close to the skin there isn't muscle or major nerves to go through. That made me feel better because I started thinking something was wrong.
Yesterday I talked to my cardiologist and she also stated that some surgeons elect not to do the minimally invasive due to pain management. She stated people hear the word "minimal" and assume that it is easier.
After all this I still recommend the procedure because there are real medical benefits, although I think everyone is different and we should make this decision with a trusted doctor.
I think in the long run that I may heal faster than the sternotomy,
Discharge instrctions per Dr. Patracek:
1. Walk everyday!!
2. Take it easy for 12 weeks
3. No lifting for 8 weeks !!!!
4. No driving for 8 weeks
5. Monitor BP twice daily, take temperature daily
6. Keep BP systolic under about 130 with exercise.
I hope this clears up and helps those who choose this procedure , not to scare peoplet but to give the real information.
Kandice
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