Biventricular
Biventricular procedures may either refer to the implant of a pacemaker (cardiac resynchronization therapy – CRT), or repair of the small right or left ventricle that is not strong enough to function normally.
The latter condition is a birth defect and requires open heart surgeries. This post deals with the former condition.
Learn more about it and why India is your best option for biventricular surgery.
Symptoms indicating need for biventricular surgery
Patients with heart failure and conduction abnormalities suffer from a condition in which the ventricles do not contract efficiently, called desynchrony.
Some common symptoms are fluid retention and swelling in the legs and abdomen, reduced tolerance to exercise, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Physicians recommend suitable diagnostic tests before suggesting a biventricular surgery.
Diagnosis for biventricular surgery
The first step is a thorough medical examination and review of past record and symptoms. This leads to diagnostic tests such as MRI, nuclear imaging, echocardiogram and ECG, as may be recommended by the heart specialist.
Based on these tests a biventricular surgery may be recommended in order to improve heart function and minimize chances of a heart attack.
Treatment and procedure of biventricular surgery
- The patient remains on an empty stomach the night before the surgery.
- The next day a local anesthetic is administered after which the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and removes a flap of skin.
- Thereafter, the surgeon threads wires through the veins to specific parts of the heart such as the right and left ventricle and the right atrium.
- The pacemaker is placed under the skin and the wires are connected and checked for proper function.
- The purpose of the pacemaker is to deliver electrical pulses to synchronize contractions of the ventricles.
- The flap is sewn back and the patient stays in the hospital for a day or two for observation and treatment.
- Recovery takes a month or so during which time the patient’s condition improves and symptoms disappear, but the patient should not engage in strenuous activity.
- Regular visits to the doctor are necessary along with medication to control symptoms.
Success of biventricular surgery
The success rate is high, but it is also dependent on the patient’s age, condition, and the skills of the surgeon.
Risks of biventricular surgery
This procedure has associated risks such as bleeding, infection and damage to surrounding tissues. Leads from the pacemaker can become displaced and the pacemaker may malfunction.
Some patients may have an allergy to the materials used in the pacemaker. Physicians usually consider all risk factors before recommending this surgery.
Why India is the best option for biventricular surgery
India should be your preferred destination for biventricular surgery for a number of reasons:
- It costs far less for diagnostics and for biventricular surgery in India even after you account for travel and accommodation costs.
- Indian surgeons are world class and deliver excellent results.
- India has some of the best specialist cardio care hospitals equipped with the finest equipments and manned by healthcare professionals.
- Indians are caring and respectful towards their clients.
Biventricular surgery is an important procedure and leads to improvements in health conditions, and possibly prolongs life. Get this surgery done in India for positive gains at affordable rates.