to perform a heart surgery should any of the bones surrounding it be removed?

Question

the skeleton usually surrounds everything in the chest area, so to perform a heart sugery do any of the bones be broken off the skeleton?

as shown on tv programs the heart is freely accessible for surgery like stomach , how?

Answer 1

Since I myself have had open heart surgery twice I can speak with some authority on this subject. First no bones or ribs are removed or broken, a mid line incision is made to get to the sternum, this is then cut down its length, spreaders are then used to open the two halves of the sternum to expose the heart ! after the operation the spreaders are removed and the two halves of the sternum are brought together and tied with stainless steel wire . It looks untidy on an x -ray but really the loose ends are tucked neatly down ! My x-ray shows 6 metal ties now !!Now the biggest myth of all is that you are in pain afterwards, Sorry Nick but there is no pain as on recovery from anaesthetic you are still in the land of the fairy's due to drugs ! in fact pain is managed extremely well as to be just about pain free, ! The main feeling for a few weeks is one of weakness. Well that's it then, Hope this helps. Pete

Answer 2

Some chest surgeries do involve the removal of a section of a rib. Most commonly, though, heart surgery involves using a special saw to split the sternum longitudinally. The two sides of the sternum are then separated by a spreader and held into place, sort of like a reverse vise.

When the heart surgery is complete, the sternum is closed with strong metal sutures and it heals. No bone is then lost except the minimal bone loss due to the dust created from the "sternotomy"

There is considerable post-operative chest pain for a few days because of the rib spreading and any movement between the sternal halves. This resolves rather quickly and is managed with pain medications.

Answer 3

The ribs are usually cut at the sternum which allows devices to pull back the skin and fatty tissue and also allows full view of the organs. After surgery, the ribs are returned to their position and usually wired to the sternum. This is similar to having a broken bone and will return to normal if not stronger.

Answer 4

well anyone who has studied the human body knows that the heart is a muscle in itself protected by ur skin, tissue and bones in order to ge to the heart one must first burn through the skin, saw through the bones of ur chest and finally reach the heart after heart surgery a patient has many broken bones but as we all know bones grow back and heal over time

Answer 5

Not removed - - Spread open. If you watch those shows they use what's called a rib spreader. picture it like a scissor-jack sitting sideways. it opens the ribs up so that the docs can get to the heart. the ribs are all broken when this happens, but not removed from the cavity.

Answer 6

Need not to be removed.But usually sternum is split opened and after the surgery sternum is sutured with wires

Answer 7

Hi there !

The need NOT be REMOVED ..but the ribs may need to be CUT to gain access to the thoracic cavity ! After surgery , it will join together..

In TV shows...what they show is ONLY the creamy parts....right ?

Best wishes...

Answer 8

They cut the sternum bone if I'm not mistaken for the surgery.

Answer 9

They basically make an insicion down the middle of the ribcage and spead it open to provide access to the heart

Answer 10

depends on the operation.

intervening well the surgeon breaks the cartilage costal portion of the rib.

Or with optic cable(endoscopy)