A 46-year-old member asked:
Open heart surgery risks/chances, what to do?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Lance Bergeranswered
Cardiology 33 years experience
Complex question: All heart surgery carries risk. Your surgeon and cardiologist should take the time to explain this to you in an individualized manner. If you are not comfortable, then consider a second opinion if the surgery is not truly urgent. You should have some comfort with your surgeon, even if there is tremendous anxiety about the procedure.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Regina Druzanswered
Cardiology 43 years experience
Do your "homework"!: Any invasive procedure, especially open heart surgery, carries risks that must make sense if you are to consider the benefits. Assuming that you have a good rapport with your doctors, and they are responsive and attentive to your concerns, your next step is to do your homework. Find out if publicly available data exist on your doctor/hospital performance. If in doubt, go for a 2nd opinion.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Tamanna Nahar commented
Specializes in Cardiology
Risks depend upon valve vs artery surgery, surgeon/Institution and your risk factors/co morbidities. Your Physician should be able to go thru all the risk percentages with you.
Sep 7, 2014
Similar questions
Helena, MT
A 16-year-old female asked:
What are your chances of surviving a sixth open heart surgery?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Killiananswered
General Practice 30 years experience
Extreme: It really all depends on the underlying health of the patient, the type of surgery, the reason for surgery and the skill of the surgeon. We wish you and your family the best.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 4, 2016
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