Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Assessment for narrowed or blocked coronary arteries when symptoms, cardiac tests, or angiography suggest that bypass surgery may be appropriate.
Specialised Procedure
Heart Surgery
Assessment and surgical treatment for coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, and selected aortic conditions, with a clear pathway from diagnosis to treatment planning and recovery.
Conditions Treated
Heart Valve Disease
Review and treatment planning for aortic, mitral, and other valve conditions where surgery may be appropriate.
Aortic Aneurysms
Specialist input for enlargement or disease of the aorta, including decisions about surveillance, timing, and surgery.
Suitability and Assessment
Not every patient with heart disease needs surgery. Treatment recommendations are based on symptoms, imaging, cardiac investigations, overall health, and a careful discussion of operative risk and likely benefit.
What the Pathway Usually Involves
Most patients move through a staged process: review of the diagnosis, further testing where needed, treatment if appropriate, and planned follow-up after hospital care.
Consultation and Review
Medical history, symptoms, scans, and previous cardiac investigations are reviewed in detail.
Further Testing and Planning
Additional investigations may be arranged, and the likely benefits, risks, and alternatives are discussed.
Surgery and Hospital Care
If surgery proceeds, treatment is performed in an accredited hospital with post-operative monitoring and ward recovery.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Discharge planning, rehabilitation, wound review, and ongoing follow-up are coordinated after your hospital stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions patients and families often ask before heart surgery.
01What is the typical recovery timeline for open-heart surgery?
Recovery varies according to the procedure, your general health, and whether there have been any complications. Expected timeframes, including the likely length of hospital stay, are discussed in detail before surgery.
02How long do bypass grafts or prosthetic valves last?
Longevity depends on the type of graft or valve used, the underlying heart condition, and long-term follow-up. This is explained on a case-by-case basis when treatment options are reviewed.
03What are the primary risks associated with the procedure?
Risks vary according to the operation and the patient’s medical history. Common discussion points include bleeding, infection, stroke, rhythm disturbance, kidney injury, and the risks of major anaesthesia. Individual risk is assessed before any decision is made.