Surgical Ventricular Restoration is a surgical procedure that is used to treat congestive heart failure and other types of heart disease. The procedure helps to restore the heart to a normal size and shape. This can allow it to work better and can help relieve the symptoms related to the heart condition. It is commonly used with coronary artery bypass grafting.
There are several reasons a person may need this procedure. Most patients who undergo the procedure have congestive heart failure or other hearth conditions. Some common reasons a person may need this procedure include:
Before the test, the patient may need to undergo some tests to ensure that they are a candidate for the procedure. Some of the tests used include:
Doctors will also order patients to skip food and drinks 12 hours before the surgery. In some cases, the patient may need to stop taking certain medications before the surgery. If a doctor has specific preparation orders, he will share them with the patient several days before the surgery is scheduled.
During the procedure, the patient will be given anesthesia, so they are not awake for it. Surgeons make an incision in the chest and in the heart around the scar tissue or enlarged area. They will remove small sections of the damaged heart or the scar tissue that has grown around the heart. The heart is reshaped to a normal size, and the patient is stitched up and wheeled to the recovery room.
Surgical Ventricular Restoration is a serious surgery and recovery time can take a few weeks. Most patients are monitored in the hospital for a couple of days before they are sent home to complete recovery. Patients will be told to get plenty of rest, avoid strenuous activity and situations, and follow a healthy diet.
As with any type of surgery, there are complications and risks involved with this procedure. Doctors will monitor their patients for signs of these complications and treat them as necessary. Some of the common complications include:
In most cases, Surgical Ventricular Restoration is successful in reshaping enlarged hearts. Patients are able to breathe better and are less likely to feel exhausted or nauseous as they did before the procedure. The procedure allows the heart to work better and easier, so patients feel better overall. Many patients are able to live a normal life. The procedure can help people with heart problems live longer and avoid the need for a heart transplant. A high percentage of patients who receive this procedure experienced functional improvement after they recover.