Cardiac surgery

Adult cardiac surgery includes the treatment of valvular and coronary disease, central and peripheral vascular disease and varicose veins.

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What is cardiac surgery?

Cardiac surgery is any surgical procedure that treats conditions of the heart and its vessels: coronary arteries, aorta, pulmonary arteries, vena cava and pulmonary veins.

What surgical technique is used for heart surgery?

The surgeon will traditionally perform a median sternotomy. Here, the rib cage is opened to allow the surgeon to operate and then closed at the end of the procedure.

A multitude of innovations now allow cardiac surgery to be performed without having to open the thorax (minimally invasive routes, vascular routes). For example:

TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)

A TAVI procedure is the percutaneous implantation of a biological aortic valve, i.e., not opening the thorax, but passing through the groin instead.

TAVI is recommended for patients:

  • With severe calcified aortic stenosis, responsible for very debilitating or even potentially fatal symptoms (breathlessness, angina pain or syncope during exercise).
  • Considered inoperable or at high surgical risk (old age, medical conditions – particularly renal).

 
MitraClip (percutaneous mitral valve repair)

MitraClip is an effective system for the treatment of mitral insufficiency.

In people with mitral valve regurgitation, the mitral valve closes only partially, causing blood to flow back into the heart chambers. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body.

If you are seriously ill or suffer from several major health conditions, open heart surgery may be too risky. In this case, the surgeons can offer you the MitraClip procedure – a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery period.

Left atrial appendage closure

Left atrial appendage closure using a special prosthesis may be offered to patients with atrial fibrillation (a common heart rhythm disorder), who are at high risk of bleeding and therefore cannot receive long-term anticoagulant treatment.

Once the prosthesis is in place, clots cannot travel from the atrium and the risk of stroke is considerably reduced. 

Why should I see a cardiac surgeon?

A heart surgeon provides surgical treatment of structural (valves, walls) and coronary pathologies to avoid or correct heart failure or embolic risk.

What happens after heart surgery?

Thanks to recent advances in technology and surgical techniques, most cardiac surgeons use minimally invasive procedures, which reduce pain, scarring and recovery time for the patient.
If necessary, a convalescent and rehabilitation stay will be organised.

How can I see a heart surgeon?

More often than not, a cardiologist will refer a patient to a heart surgeon if an abnormality that may require surgery is detected.

When should I see a cardiologist ?

From the age of 50 onwards, you should be particularly vigilant for symptoms that may mean you need to consult a heart (or cardiac) surgeon. For example:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Excessive cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure. 

After the age of 60, you should schedule a heart check-up every year.

FAQ

How can I obtain a visa?

To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place.  These documents should be attached to your visa application.

What about follow-up treatment?

Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.

How long before I can fly?

Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.

Will I be reimbursed?

For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.

In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy. 

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Our specialised clinics in Cardiac surgery

Bordeaux

Saint Augustin Clinic

Metz

Claude Bernard Hopital-Clinic