What is Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS)?
Cardiovascular surgery is a branch of medicine that uses surgical methods to treat diseases of the heart, veins and large vessel systems. These surgical procedures are usually performed to correct or treat coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, aortic aneurysms, vascular blockages and other vascular problems. These surgical interventions can often include procedures such as heart surgery, angioplasty, stent placement and bypass surgery.
Which diseases does cardiovascular surgery treat?
Cardiovascular surgery focuses on the treatment of various heart and vascular diseases. These include the following:
Coronary artery disease: Diseases caused by blockage or narrowing of the heart arteries. This condition is commonly known as a heart attack or angina.
Hypertension (high blood pressure): High blood pressure can have long-term harmful effects on the heart and blood vessels.
Heart failure: A condition in which the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body due to insufficient pump function.
Valvular heart disease: Conditions caused by narrowing, leakage or dysfunction of the heart valves.
Arrhythmias: Heart rhythm disorders can lead to irregular heartbeats and various symptoms.
Peripheral artery disease: Circulatory disorders caused by narrowing or blockage of arteries in the legs or arms.
Aortic aneurysm: An enlargement or ballooning of the aortic wall, which can lead to potentially serious and life-threatening consequences. Aortic aneurysms may need to be surgically repaired.
What are the Applications in Cardiovascular Surgery?
There are many different applications and procedures in cardiovascular surgery. These include the following:
Coronary artery bypass grafting (BY-pass surgery)
Heart bypass surgery is performed to create a new way to bypass blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This procedure is used to restore blood flow caused by coronary artery disease.
Angioplasty and stent placement
Angioplasty is a procedure used to widen blocked or narrowed arteries. A stent is a metal or plastic structure placed to keep the widened arteries open.
Heart valve surgery
Surgical interventions to correct narrowing, leakage or dysfunction of the heart valves. These procedures may include valve repairs or placement of valve prostheses.
Aortic aneurysm repair
In cases where enlargement or ballooning of the aortic wall occurs, the aneurysm may need to be repaired or surgically replaced.
Heart transplantation
Some patients with advanced heart failure may require a heart transplant. This procedure involves replacing a healthy donor’s heart with the patient’s damaged heart.
Arrhythmia surgery
Surgical interventions for heart rhythm disorders. These procedures include ablation and pacemaker implantation.
These are a few examples of common practices in the field of cardiovascular surgery. As each patient’s condition is different, the treatment plan and surgical procedures are determined depending on the patient’s specific needs and condition.
Varicose Veins (Venous Insufficiency) Treatment in Cardiovascular Surgery
Varicose vein treatment is usually offered in KVC (Cardiovascular Surgery). Varicose veins are vein enlargements that usually occur in the legs and are often referred for aesthetic concerns, but can sometimes cause pain or other symptoms. Venous insufficiency treatment aims to reduce symptoms, prevent progression of the condition and improve quality of life. Varicose vein treatment may include methods such as
Varicose vein treatment
Treatment of varicose veins can help relieve symptoms and prevent the progression of venous insufficiency. These treatment methods may include procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation and surgical vein removal.
- Sclerotherapy A medication is injected into the varicose vein through a thin needle, irritating and sealing the inner walls of the vein. This method is usually used to treat small to medium-sized varicose veins.
- Superficial laser treatment High-energy laser light heats the inner walls of varicose veins and closes them. This method is generally effective in the treatment of small and medium-sized varicose veins.
- Radiofrequency ablation Using high frequency radio waves, the inner walls of varicose veins are heated and closed. This method is generally preferred in the treatment of larger varicose veins.
- Surgical vein removal (phlebectomy) It is a surgical procedure used in the treatment of large and deep varicose veins. The varicose veins are removed through the skin and the areas where they are removed are closed with sutures.
- Compression stockings or bands Compression stockings or bands increase the pressure applied to the legs to increase the return of blood from the legs towards the heart. This can help reduce symptoms by promoting venous blood flow.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can strengthen the leg muscles and increase venous return. Low-impact aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling may be recommended.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet is important to keep weight under control and also to support the circulatory system. Limiting salt intake and consuming fiber-rich foods can reduce symptoms of venous insufficiency.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or venotonic drugs may be prescribed to reduce pain or swelling.
These treatment methods vary depending on the type and size of varicose veins and the patient’s condition, symptoms and underlying causes, if any. It is important to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment options.
Several factors influence the success rate of venous insufficiency treatment.
These include the following:
- The success of treatment may depend on the general health of the patient. Patients with other health problems or poor adherence to treatment may have a lower success rate.
- The severity and severity of venous insufficiency can affect the success of treatment. Success rates may be reduced in more advanced cases.
- The underlying causes of venous insufficiency may affect the success of treatment. For example, factors such as valve dysfunctions or venous blockages can influence the response to treatment.
- Which treatment method is used and how successfully the procedures are performed can influence the outcome of treatment.
- Factors such as patient compliance with treatment, and regular use of compression stockings can influence the success of treatment. Making healthy lifestyle changes can increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Regular follow-up and follow-up after treatment can help early detection of possible complications and evaluation of the success of the treatment.