Heart Surgery Summary Heart surgery can correct problems with the heart if other treatments haven’t worked or can’t be used. The most common type of heart surgery for adults is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). During CABG, a healthy artery or vein from the body is connected, or grafted, to a blocked coronary (heart) artery. Doctors also use heart surgery to Repair or replace heart valves, which control blood flow through the heart Repair abnormal or damaged structures in the heart Implant medical devices that help control the heartbeat or support heart function and blood flow Replace a damaged heart with a healthy heart from a donor Treat heart failure and coronary heart disease Control abnormal heart rhythms Heart surgery has risks, even though its results often are excellent. Risks include bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeats, and stroke. The risk is higher if you are older or a woman. The risk is also higher if you have other diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, or peripheral arterial disease. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Find an Expert American Heart Association American Heart Association National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Array Aortic valve surgery – open Heart valve surgery Mitral valve surgery – minimally invasive Mitral valve surgery – open Open heart surgery Start Here Cardiac Procedures and Surgeries American Heart Association Heart Surgery National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cardiac Surgical Procedures National Institutes of Health ClinicalTrials.gov: Heart Surgery National Institutes of Health NIH MedlinePlus Magazine Dr. Michael DeBakey “Is A Magician of the Heart” Related Issues Dressler’s Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Heart Tests Before Surgery: When You Need an Imaging Test – and When You Don’t ABIM Foundation How Can I Prepare for Heart Surgery? American Heart Association Ventricular Assist Device National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute What Is a Cardiothoracic Surgeon? Society of Thoracic Surgeons Reference Desk Heart and Stroke Encyclopedia American Heart Association Heart Surgery Terms Society of Thoracic Surgeons Encyclopedia Heart valve surgery – discharge Pediatric heart surgery – discharge Sternal exploration or closure Living With How Will I Be Monitored After Heart Surgery? American Heart Association MedlinePlus: Cardiac Rehabilitation National Library of Medicine What Happens After Heart Surgery? American Heart Association What to Expect After Heart Surgery National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute What to Expect After Heart Surgery Society of Thoracic Surgeons Specifics Limited-Access Heart Surgery Texas Heart Institute Maze Surgery Texas Heart Institute Total Artificial Heart National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization Texas Heart Institute Types of Heart Surgery National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Valve Repair or Replacement Texas Heart Institute What Is Heart Valve Surgery? American Heart Association What to Expect during Heart Surgery National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Videos and Tutorials MedlinePlus: Surgery Videos Journal Articles Heart Surgery Children What Is a Pediatric Heart Surgeon? American Academy of Pediatrics Diagnosis and Tests Who Needs Heart Surgery? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Latest News Many Heart Bypass Patients Don’t Take Needed Meds HealthDay No Statins Before Heart Surgery, Study Suggests HealthDay Watch Walking to Gauge Health After Heart Surgery HealthDay