How long does PDA surgery take? The PDA closure procedure may take up to three hours, depending on the type of procedure. It may take longer if the PDA closure is accompanied by other procedures to correct any additional heart defects. PDA stands for “patent ductus arteriosis,” which is a congenital failure of the heart...
What is a sternotomy? A sternotomy is a surgical opening in the middle of the chest at the breastbone (sternum) to provide access to the chest cavity for heart procedures or other thoracic surgeries. A sternotomy is a surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum) to access the thoracic cavity. A median sternotomy is the...
What is a cardiac catheter ablation? Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that is used to treat arrhythmias. Cardiac (heart) ablation is a procedure performed to correct heart arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm/beat). Cardiac ablation works by intentionally injuring or destroying (ablating) and scarring the tissue in the heart that triggers the abnormal heart rhythm. The ablated...
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a heart disorder that causes an abnormally high heart rate. Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a type of heart disorder that can cause an abnormally high heart rate. AFib occurs due to problems with an individual’s heart’s electrical activity. It results in poor pumping of blood by...
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation is a medical condition that causes the heart to beat irregularly and rapidly. Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and rapidly. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly without coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the...
What is atrial fibrillation? Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is caused by the two upper chambers of the heart beating irregularly. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) occurs when the two smaller, upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat irregularly instead of rhythmically. This abnormal condition can allow blood clots to form inside the heart and later travel to...
How long does a mitral valvuloplasty take to perform? A mitral valuloplasty is a procedure to improve function of the heart's mitral valve. A mitral balloon valvuloplasty — a procedure to improve the function of the heart's mitral valve — takes about an hour. The procedure requires a few hours for preparation before, and recovery after the...
What is Brevibloc and how does it work? Brevibloc Premixed (esmolol hydrochloride) Injection is a beta-blocker indicated for the rapid control of ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter in perioperative, postoperative, or other emergent circumstances. Brevibloc is also indicated in noncompensatory sinus tachycardia where the rapid heart rate requires specific intervention....
Ventricular septal defect facts A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common form of congenital heart disease. VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the ventricles of the heart. VSD is the most common type of heart malformation present at birth (congenital heart disease). VSD lets blood shunt from the left ventricle...
What is a ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) procedure? Ventricular repair (cardiorrhaphy) is a lifesaving procedure used for cardiac (heart) trauma. Ventricular repair is also called cardiorrhaphy. It is a lifesaving procedure performed for cardiac (heart) trauma in the emergency room (ER). Emergency thoracotomy or surgical resuscitation may be done first prior to ventricular repair. Emergency thoracotomy...