Best Cardiac Surgeons in Mumbai, India

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is a Cardiac Surgeon?

A cardiac surgeon is a doctor who specializes in heart surgery, valves, and related blood vessels. The vessels include essential veins and arteries around the heart. Cardiac surgeons belong to different categories depending on the heart structures they operate. For instance, a congenital cardiac surgeon deals with congenital heart problems, mostly in infants and children. A cardiothoracic surgeon operates thoracic organs, including the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and trachea.

2. What Does a Cardiac Surgeon Do?

Cardiac surgeons treat heart conditions through surgery. It includes problems with injury from trauma, gunshot, and stab wounds. They also treat congenital heart problems. Consult the best cardiac surgeon in Mumbai if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart valve diseases
• Disorders in heart rhythm/arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• Aortic dissection
• Congenital heart problems such as ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect.
• Correcting holes between chambers

3. Is There a Distinction Between Cardiac Surgeons and Cardiologists?

Yes. Cardiac surgeons are involved in heart surgery, while cardiologists are involved in diagnosing and treating heart conditions but don't perform surgery. In most cases, a cardiologist can refer you to the best cardiac surgeon in Mumbai if they determine your case requires surgery.

4. Which Procedures are Done by Cardiac Surgeons?

Cardiac surgeons are involved in different procedures depending on your condition. The procedures include

• Maze procedure
• Coronary artery bypass grafting
• Congenital heart surgeries
• Valve repair and replacement
• Device implantation
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy surgery due to heart enlargement
• Heart transplants

These procedures may be invasive (open heart surgery) or robot-assisted. The surgeon cuts open the chest with invasive procedures to access the heart. With robot-assisted procedures, the surgeon makes small incisions in the chest and uses special tools and robot hands with cameras to access the heart.

5. What Questions Should I Ask My Cardiac Surgeon in Mumbai?

Some questions you can ask the best cardiac surgeon in Mumbai include: Why is the procedure the best treatment option?

• What is the success rate of the procedure?
• How soon should I have the procedure?
• How do I prepare for the procedure?
• What to expect in the operating room?
• How long will the surgery last?
• How long will I take to recover fully?
• What lifestyle changes will I need?

6. Can a Cardiac Surgeon Perform General Surgery?

Cardiac surgeons practice general surgery before they specialize. After they specialize, they pay attention to their line of practice. A cardiac surgeon can only perform general surgery when there is no other option. For instance, in case of an emergency and the cardiac surgeon is the only one available, they can perform general surgery. Most cardiac surgeons have no time for general surgery since their work is demanding.

7. What Should I Ask My Surgeon Before Heart Surgery?

If you're scheduled for heart surgery, these are the question you should ask your surgeon:

• What is the surgeon's experience with heart surgery?
• Are there alternative modes of treatment?
• What are the benefits of the procedure?
• What are the risks and potential complications?
• What happens if I don't get the operation?
• What to expect during and after surgery?
• What are the costs of the operation?

8. What are Some of The Duties of a Cardiac Surgeon?

The most important responsibilities of a cardiac surgeon include:

• Performing surgery to correct heart-related problems
• Deciding the best treatments and surgical procedures
• Examining patients with heart problems to ascertain diagnoses
• Educating patients on lifestyle changes and need for the surgery
• Documenting their procedures to include everything they did
• They also teach in medical schools

Cardiac surgeons continue their education and training to improve their skills and adapt to new technologies.

9. Why Visit a Cardiac Surgeon, and What Should I Expect?

Because of the magnitude of the procedure, you only see cardiac surgery when you need surgery. This means there are no safer or better alternatives than the surgery. When it is a scheduled procedure, your heart surgeon will explain the procedure, why you need it, and the risks and possible outcomes. You can also ask questions if you have any concerns. If it's an emergency, the cardiac surgeon talks to your family.

10. Should I Have a Referral To See a Cardiac Surgeon?

Yes. A cardiac surgeon is not involved in the diagnosis of heart problems. A primary healthcare provider refers you to a cardiologist when you present with heart problem symptoms. The cardiologist orders a test to determine your heart problem. The cardiologist will decide the best mode of treatment, which may include surgery. Therefore, the cardiologist will refer you to the best cardiac surgeon, and you can also find one in Mumbai.

11. How Long Do Heart Surgery Patients Have To Stay in The Hospital?

Your stay in the hospital revolves around the type of surgery and recovery process. For example, for minor heart surgeries, you may take 3-4 days. If it's invasive heart surgery, you may require at least ten days.

12. Are There Regulations for Lifting Weights After Heart Surgery?

Yes. Regardless of the procedure, you're restricted from lifting heavy weights after the surgery. Exercise and other vigorous activities are also disallowed. Most cardiologists recommend few light exercises during the first three months.

13. Will I Have Trouble With Depression After Heart Surgery?

Heart surgery is a significant procedure and can cause you worry and anxiety due to the uncertainty. However, while depression feelings are common for heart surgery patients, you can overcome them with the proper support.