Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) might sound like a complex issue, but it’s a kind of surgery dealing with severe heart, lung, and blood vessel problems. Do you know someone who might need this surgery? If yes, this post is for you. It’s time to make some informed decisions!
But before you contact a hospital, consider reading this post to learn about CTVS in medicine.
Understanding CTVS Surgery
CTVS surgery involves treating problems in the chest area, including the heart and lungs, as well as the blood vessels throughout the body. You should know of two areas:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: It focuses on the lungs and the heart.
- Vascular Surgery: It deals with the blood vessels.
Specialists who perform these surgeries are experts in handling severe conditions that other treatments, like certain medications, cannot help.
Why Do People Get CTVS Surgery?
Read these signs, and you will know if you need CTVS surgery:
- Heart Problems: If you have severe heart issues, such as a faulty heart valve or a blocked artery, you must see a doctor immediately. CTVS can help.
- Lung Problems: If you have severe lung issues needing medical intervention, you should not hesitate to see a doctor. Lung cancer is a serious concern, and we recommend going for CTVS surgery.
- Aneurysms: An aneurysm is a dangerous bulge in a blood vessel. Surgery can help repair or replace the damaged vessel to prevent it from bursting.
- Blood Vessel Issues: Problems like blocked veins or arteries can lead to poor blood flow. Surgery might be needed to improve circulation and prevent complications.
When Should I Get CTVS Surgery?
How can you tell if you need CTVS surgery? Look out for these signs:
- Chest Pain: If you have ongoing or severe chest pain that doesn’t go away with medication, it could mean you have a severe heart condition. Medical intervention is needed in this case.
- Breathing Problems: If you have trouble breathing, you may have a heart or lung condition.
- Swelling in Limbs: Swelling in your arms or legs might be due to blood vessel problems. If it’s severe or getting worse, surgery might be needed.
- Dizziness: Frequent weakness, dizziness, or fainting can be related to heart or blood vessel problems. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, surgery might be a consideration.
- High Blood Pressure: If you have made lifestyle changes and then still haven’t seen a change, high blood pressure may become a problem later on. You need surgery if nothing else works.
How CTVS Surgery is Done
CTVS surgery is typically performed in a hospital and may involve a few days’ stay. The type of surgery depends on the severity of the condition.
- Heart Surgery: For conditions like blocked arteries or heart valve problems, surgeons might perform coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or valve replacement procedures. This often involves using a heart-lung machine to keep your blood flowing while your heart is functioning.
- Lung Surgery: If you have severe lung problems that require intervention, surgeons might remove part or all of a lung. Minimally invasive techniques are also there to take care of this situation.
- Vascular Surgery: This involves repairing or replacing damaged blood vessels. Surgeons might use grafts to bypass blocked arteries or fix aneurysms.
Preparing for CTVS Surgery
Before your surgery, you need to prepare yourself for a few things:
- Medical Tests: You may need specific tests like blood work, X-rays, or CT scans to understand your health condition.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Your doctor will give specific instructions for taking medications, eating, or drinking. Follow the instructions carefully if you want to get well fast.
- Recovery Stage: Discuss with your doctor what to expect during your recovery and any follow-up care you might need. Mentally prepare yourself for the surgery and recovery stage. You may have to stay in the hospital for several days or weeks.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovering from CTVS surgery can vary depending on the procedure and your overall health. Here’s what you might expect:
- Hospital Stay: Depending on the type of surgery and your recovery, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days or weeks. Speak to your doctor about this.
- Pain Management: You might feel some pain and discomfort, but medications prescribed by the doctor will help.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy or rehab might be needed to help you get back to your normal activities.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups with your family doctor or an experienced doctor are important to monitor your recovery and ensure no complications.
Summing Up
CTVS surgery is essential for treating severe conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Recognising the signs that you might need this type of surgery and understanding what to expect can help you prepare and make informed health decisions. If you are experiencing any symptoms, we recommend speaking to a doctor.
