Surgeons with the Nebraska Heart Institute perform a variety of procedures to treat cardiac, vascular, and thoracic
diseases. Please scroll down the page to read each procedure's description.
• Coronary Artery Bypass
• Valvular Procedures
• Transplantation
• Vascular Disease
• Peripheral Angiography
Coronary Bypass
Coronary artery bypass operations have become the gold standard to restore health and vigor to people suffering from coronary artery disease. The surgeons
of the Nebraska Heart Institute perform single-vessel as well as multi-vessel bypass procedures to channel blood flow to coronary arteries.
During traditional heart bypass surgery, a heart-lung machine is used to provide circulatory function. Since 1997, in addition to this traditional method,
the surgeons of NHI have been performing the procedure off-pump. By utilizing specialized stabilizing devices, surgeons can work on specific areas of the
heart while the rest of the heart continues to beat and provide support to the patient. Benefits of this procedure include faster recovery time and less
chance of infection, neurological disorders, and blood clots.
Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) is another procedure surgeons may utilize to restore blood flow to the heart and relieve chest pain. The procedure,
which involves a laser to create new channels, may be used in place of or in addition to traditional bypass.
Valvular Procedures
If initial treatment with medications does not correct problems with the heart's valves, then surgical treatment is used to prevent possible or further
damage to the heart muscle. Possible causes of valvular disease include birth defects, bacterial endocarditis, Scarlet Fever, and Rheumatic Fever.
Treatments performed at NHI include:
• Valvuloplasty
• Valvular Repair
• Valve Replacement
There are two types of valves that NHI surgeons use: mechanical and biological. The choice as to which valve to be used is based on the patient's age,
physical condition, and lifestyle.
Transplantation
Patients may require the services of the Nebraska Heart and Lung Transplant Program. This program has had a successful record since its beginning in 1986.
Hospital length of stay, costs, and return-to-work rates are among the best in the country. In addition, survival is well above the national average.
The Nebraska Heart Institute surgeons also implant the battery-powered HeartMate device. The device is attached to the left ventricle of the patient's own
heart, taking over most of the pumping function for the natural heart that may be too damaged or weak to beat adequately on its own. This portable
heart-assist device is designed to allow the patient to move freely and assists patients waiting for a suitable donor heart.
Vascular Disease
In addition to cardiac abnormalities, surgeons at NHI treat peripheral vascular diseases. Atherosclerosis occurs in the peripheral arteries as well as the
coronary arteries. To aid surgeons in identifying the amount and location of blockages, Doppler ultrasound testing is performed. Arms, legs, and carotid
arteries are evaluated to determine the speed and direction of blood flow.
Peripheral Angiography
Another diagnostic test that may be performed is peripheral angiography. Similar to a heart catheterization, the procedure uses dye contrast to identify
narrowing or blockages.
Surgeons use the following treatment methods to improve blood flow to peripheral vascular areas:
• Thrombectomy
• Stents
• Atherectomy
• Angioplasty
• Bypass Surgery
• Aneurysm Grafting
Whether it's cardiac, vascular or thoracic disease, the surgeons of NHI work closely with an entire team of referring physicians, nurses and rehab
specialists in diagnosing and treating patients, so they can return to an active and healthy life.
Cardiac Abnormalities
In the area of open-heart surgery, NHI physicians utilize the latest procedures and instruments to treat heart disease; more than 1,500 open-heart
procedures annually. Procedures include treatment for blockages in the heart's blood vessels; repair or replacement of heart valves; and repair of heart
muscle due to birth defects, aneurysms, or disease. |
