The classical method in open heart surgery is to perform heart surgery by cutting the anterior chest wall. The only drawback of this standard method, which provides a safe and comfortable working area, is that it takes a long time for the bone to heal after the surgery and the need to keep the bone stable during this period causes distress to the patients. It takes at least 2 months for patients to return to their normal lives after standard heart surgery. The patient goes through this process lying on his back until the bones heal again. However, in armpit heart surgery, since the muscles and bones in no part of the body are cut, the recovery process is both short and comfortable.
The only difference between armpit heart surgery and standard heart surgery is the 'entrance site'. Based on this, we can define axillary heart surgery as standard heart surgery performed by entering from the armpit area. Heart surgery is performed by making a 6-7 centimeter incision in the patient's armpit area. No bones are cut in surgeries performed with this technique.
To Whom Can Armpit Heart Surgery Be Applied?
So, to whom can this technique, which is an advantageous and comfortable benefit of developing technology, be applied? We mentioned above that axillary heart surgery can be performed on anyone, male, female, young or old. Now; We will explain in more detail who this method, which can be applied to everyone in principle, is suitable for and who it is not suitable for.
This technique is especially applied on conditions such as valve surgery and congenital heart diseases. It can also be applied to children and babies in cases such as heart holes.
If a patient has previously had heart surgery with the classical method and the surgery needs to be repeated, the second surgery is performed with the armpit heart surgery method.
A procedure that does not involve bone cutting. The axillary heart surgery method is particularly advantageous for diabetics and overweight patients in terms of 'wound healing' since it is an incision of only 6 - 7 centimeters in the armpit area.
How is Armpit Heart Surgery Performed?
This procedure is performed During the procedure, the heart is reached by entering between the ribs through an incision made in the patient's armpit area. In other words, the incision is made not under the breast, but in the area where the breast ends under the right armpit, 6 - 7 centimeters long. The surgery continues through this small incision. No bone cutting is performed.
The surgery process is as comfortable as the post-operative period. In other words, the patient does not feel anything different from the classical method during the surgery. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Both valve repair surgery and valve replacement surgery can be performed during axillary heart surgery. In cases of necessity, it is even possible to replace 2 or 3 valves at the same time with axillary heart surgery.
Armpit Method in Heart Valve Surgeries
Armpit method ; Today, it is a method we frequently use in the implementation of heart valve replacement and repair procedures. We have stated that the armpit method offers a much more comfortable process than open heart surgery. In addition to a comfortable operation and recovery process, it is effective in preventing some risk factors that may occur during the application.
Nowadays, the armpit method can be applied in the treatment of heart valve stenosis, heart valve failure or valve prolapse problems. Treatment of heart valve diseases that cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, and edema formation in the lower extremities (legs); It can be performed through heart valve replacement or heart valve repair.
Surgery planning in people with heart valve disease requires a very detailed process. Information such as the patient's age, general health status, general health status of the heart and vessels, and the patient's lifestyle are evaluated and it is decided which heart valve replacement or heart valve repair procedures should be performed.
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