Complications (complications) after cardiological procedures - thanks to the progress of medicine - are less and less common. However, in some cases, doctors are unable to prevent them. Then they significantly increase the risk of the patient's death. Check what complications can be after cardiac surgery and who is the most exposed to them.

Complications (complications) after cardiac proceduresare less and less common, despite the fact that even patients in poor condition and with many loads (e.g. in advanced age, with kidney failure) are operated on . All thanks to the progress in cardiosurgery, which applies not only to surgical techniques (less and less invasive), but also to postoperative departments with modern monitoring equipment and supporting devices.Care after cardiac surgeryplays a very important role in preventing complications, because it is in this early period that the patient is most exposed to various types of life-threatening complications.

Complications (complications) after cardiac procedures - causes

The very drugs aimed at general anesthesia of the patient may contribute to the weakening of the body, and thus - increase the risk of postoperative complications. A similar effect may be achieved by introducing a replacement breath for the duration of the operation.

The likelihood of complications following cardiac surgery is also increased by extensive surgical wounds, especially in the case of coronary bypass surgery, when additional cuts are required after the leg veins are collected. First of all, such wounds take a long time to heal. Secondly, they cause constant pain and stress after surgery, leading to tachycardia and an increase in pressure in the patient. It is also important to administer strong painkillers to the patient.

However, most complications after cardiac surgery concern patients connected to an extracorporeal circulation device (artificial heart-lung).

Complications (complications) after cardiac procedures - types

The complications after cardiac surgery include:

  • pulmonary embolism
  • heart failure
  • respiratory failure
  • kidney failure

Care in the firstthe day after cardiac surgery is of key importance for the patient's recovery

  • excessive postoperative bleeding
  • heart rhythm disturbance
  • ischemia of organs, especially the heart, leading to a heart attack
  • neurological complications - stroke, postoperative psychosis
  • abdominal complications - e.g. liver dysfunction, pancreatitis
  • SIRS, i.e. the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which is the first stage in the development of septic shock.

According to the observations of doctors, SIRS occurs in all patients after heart surgery, but of a very variable intensity.

That is why every patient after a cardiac surgery goes to the postoperative ward, where he usually stays for 1-2 days.Patient care after cardiac surgeryconsists of several elements: patient monitoring, pain management, infection prevention and others.

Complications (complications) after cardiac procedures - risk group

People who are at an advanced age and have had a stroke or heart attack are mentioned in the group of increased risk of complications after cardiac procedures.

Bibliography: Rogowski J., Jarmoszewicz K., Siondalski P., Pawlaczyk R.,Post-operative care after cardiac surgery,"Diseases of the heart and vessels" 2006

Category:

Cardiology