How Long Does Recovery Take After Hole in Heart Surgery?

A hole in the heart is a structural issue with the heart that is present at birth and may lead to complications if left untreated. Surgical repair of these defects is often required, and it is important to understand the recovery time from the hole in heart surgery for a smoother recovery process.

Keep reading to learn more about recovery time after hole-in-heart surgery and precautionary measures to prevent further complications after the surgery!

Overview Of Hole In Heart Surgery

A hole in the heart is also known as a congenital heart defect. Most of them are present from birth and very rarely can develop during a heart attack or after a medical procedure. 

A hole in the heart are

• Atrial septum defect (ASD), where the opening occurs in the septum between the top chambers of the heart (atria)
• Ventral septum defect (VSD) is where the opening occurs in the septum between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles).

Hole in the heart surgeries, also known as heart defect surgery, are ASD and VSD closure surgeries that repair holes in the heart. It is performed when you are experiencing.

• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness and weakness after exercise
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Fainting

Hole in the heart surgeries can be done through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive methods. Many ASDs can be treated with cardiac catheterization, where a thin, flexible tube is inserted into a blood vessel in the leg that leads to the heart. 

Hole In Heart Surgery- Procedure

The different steps in the open heart hole in the heart surgery are

• You will be given anesthesia before the surgery.
• The surgeon cuts down the middle of the chest. The patient may be attached to a heart-lung machine.
• The surgeon reaches the wall between the septum by looking through one of the valves of the heart. The surgery is then performed.
• Once the procedure has been completed, the heart-lung machine will be removed. The surgeon will close the muscle and the skin. A bandage will be applied.

The different steps in the minimally invasive hole in the heart surgery are

• Your surgeon makes a 4-6 centimeter incision on the right side of the chest. 
• The surgeon inserts an endoscope to collect the detailed images of the heart and ASD or VSD.
• The surgeon then uses specialized instruments to close the hole in the septum. In some cases, robotic assistance may be used to provide greater precision.
• The surgeon carefully removes the instruments and closes the small incision with stitches or adhesive strips.

Factors Affecting Recovery Time After Hole In Heart Surgery

The recovery time after a hole in heart surgery for both children and adults may vary depending on different factors:

• Type of surgery: Traditional open heart surgery may involve a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery.
• Age and general health: Younger individuals tend to recover more quickly than older adults.
• Size and location of the hole: Larger defects or those in complex locations may require more extensive surgery and a longer healing period.
• Post-surgery care: Patients who follow the instructions regarding medication, physical activity, and dietary restrictions may experience a quick recovery after surgery.

How Long Does Recovery After Hole In Heart Surgery Typically Take?

Minimally invasive hole in heart surgery has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open heart surgery. 

At Hospital

• The patient may spend some time in the intensive care unit, and the medical staff will watch the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing. Depending on the patient’s condition, they may remain in the ICU for a day or two days before being transferred to a general recovery unit.
• The typical hospital stay after minimally invasive septal defect surgery is 3-7 days if there are no complications. The patient will receive instructions on how to manage their recovery at home before leaving the hospital.

At Home

• The patient may temporarily need to take certain medicines after the surgery to control pain. It is necessary to take pain medications and antibiotics as required and prescribed by the doctor.
• The patient may tire more easily initially and may get back to their normal activities gradually when they get home.
• Avoid activities that may result in blows to the chest. You may need the removal of stitches in a follow-up appointment.
• Seek medical attention if you have increased swelling, bleeding, drainage, or fever.
• The recovery at home may take anywhere between 4-8 weeks or may take more, depending on the type of surgery.

Resuming Daily Activities

In general, it takes about 6-8 weeks for the chest incision to heal and if there are no other problems, you may be fully recovered and able to return to normal activities. Avoid heavy objects or engaging in vigorous physical activities until approved by the doctor. 

However, full recovery may take up to 3-6 months, depending on the individual and the type of surgery.

Tips To Recover From Hole In Heart Surgery

The different tips to recover from hole in the heart surgery are

• Adhere to medications: The pain can be common for many days following the septal defect repair surgery. It is important to follow the pain medication schedule given by the doctor.
• Attend follow-up appointments: Regular checkups with your cardiologists are required to help track your recovery.
• Keep the wound clean: Follow the instructions given by the doctor for cleaning and dressing the wound. Avoid baths, pools, or soaking the wounds until advised by the doctors. If you observe red, swollen, warm, draining excess fluid from the wound, or bleeding, seek immediate attention.
• Limit activity: It is recommended to avoid activities, going to the school, gym, and school immediately after the surgery. The children may return to normal activities after consulting with the doctor.
• Eat a balanced diet: A heart-healthy diet is often recommended for children after surgery. Sometimes, doctors may recommend limiting fluids or eating a low-salt diet.

Conclusion

The recovery time after hole in heart surgery may vary depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient’s overall health and the location of the heart defect. It takes about 3-6 months to completely recover after the surgery and resume daily activities.

If you have concerns about your recovery after hole in the heart surgery, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. For any questions regarding heart defects and the surgeries to treat them, you may schedule an appointment with Heart360 Care for expert advice!

Frequently Asked Questions