MedifocusHealth

Surgery is an option for select patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) caused by certain underlying conditions. Examples include:

• Surgical revascularization (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft surgery) may be necessary in patients with congestive heart failure due to underlying coronary artery disease.

• Aortic valve replacement surgery may be necessary for patients with CHF attributed to severe aortic stenosis.

• Mitral valve repair surgery may be necessary for patients with CHF due to severe mitral regurgitation.

• End-stage heart disease - Cardiac (heart) transplantation is an option that is usually reserved for patients with advanced CHF with end-stage heart disease who are under age 65 and do not have other serious underlying medical conditions (e.g., liver or kidney disease). Due to the critical shortage of donor organs for patients who would benefit from heart transplantation, alternative surgical options are currently being investigated. Examples include:

  • Left ventricular assist devices as a "bridge" to heart transplantation for patients who may otherwise die while awaiting a heart transplant operation.
  • Left ventricular reconstruction using either the Batista or Dor procedures.
  • Mitral valve repair to correct severe mitral regurgitation
  • Coronary artery bypass graft surgery to "bypass" blocked coronary arteries and improve the blood supply to the heart.