Overview
Open heart surgery refers to cardiac operations performed with the chest opened, typically through a median sternotomy, in which the heart is directly accessed to repair or replace its structures. Many such procedures use cardiopulmonary bypass, where a heart-lung machine temporarily takes over oxygenation and circulation so the surgeon can operate on a still, bloodless field. Indications span coronary artery bypass grafting for ischemic disease, replacement or repair of diseased heart valves, correction of congenital defects, and treatment of disorders of the cardiac chambers and conduction system, including the surgical and electrophysiological management of arrhythmias such as focal atrial tachycardia. Because the operation involves a sternotomy and prolonged exposure, postoperative care focuses on wound healing and the recognition of complications; deep sternal and sub-xiphoid infections, abscess, and sinus formation are important sequelae requiring drainage and reconstruction. Outcomes depend on accurate preoperative assessment of cardiac anatomy and function, meticulous intraoperative technique, and structured recovery that addresses hemodynamic stability and rehabilitation. As a cornerstone of cardiac care, open heart surgery treats structural and ischemic heart disease that cannot be managed by medical therapy or less invasive catheter-based approaches, and it continues to evolve alongside minimally invasive and percutaneous alternatives.
Research published in this journal
8 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
A Potential New Technique to Estimate the Origins of Focal Atrial Tachycardias from 12-Lead Electrocardiograms
Musings in Physiology
Rheumatic Heart Disease In Chad: Clinical, Paraclinical, Therapeutic And Progressive Aspects
Ebstein's Anomaly With Right Atrial Thrombus in 23 Years Old Man at Reference National Teaching Hospital of Ndjamena: A Case Report.
Cardiac Inflammatory Pseudotumors in Behçet’s Disease
Valvular Heart Disease and Pregnancy in the Delivery Room at Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital about 12 Cases
Single Daily Activity or Exercise Capacity Measurements Did not Predict Future Changes in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Congenital Heart Disease
How this research is being cited
The 8 articles above have been cited 3 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Oct 2025.
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2019 · Annaly aritmologii
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S. Serguladze et al. · 2019 · Annaly aritmologii
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2018 · International Physiology Journal
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Open Heart Surgery, linking to each citing work.