AllBodySurgery.com
How long does open heart surgery take?
I'm writing a story called Take My Heart, and in it an open heart surgery takes place. I don't know how long the surgery is. Someone mentioned 12 hours. but if anyone knows, can you tell me? That'd be great, thanks. ^^
Public Comments
- It varies for each individual. I had a friend that had one done and it took approx 7 hours.
- It depends on which surgery. Most open heart surgeries are Coronary Bypasses or CABG's which usually taken several hours, 1 1/2 to 4 hrs is normal with the first incision and closing all incisions depends on complications like bleeding you'd be amazed at how many folks need blood transfusions during the surgeries and how it depends on how the patient tolerates the procedures blood pressures, ability to be weaned off the ventilator etc sometimes they are left on the vent too. Transplants can take a long time 12 hours is stretching it but can happen 6-8 hrs more likely. The time in post op or weaning off the bypass machine is probably what they are talking about. Most heart surgery patients are directly transferred from OR to SICU once they are off the bypass machine. The units can usually watch the heart rhythms once the heart is restarted usually on the monitor from the OR. It gives the nurses and docs a good idea what they may have to deal with drips and such once the patient arrives. Hope this helps
