Name of the Procedure:

Cardiotomy, exploratory (includes removal of foreign body, atrial or ventricular thrombus); with cardiopulmonary bypass

Summary

An exploratory cardiotomy is a surgical procedure that involves opening the heart to remove foreign objects or blood clots from the heart's atria or ventricles. This procedure often necessitates the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery.

Purpose

Medical Condition or Problem:

• Presence of foreign bodies in the heart.
• Atrial or ventricular thrombus (blood clots).

Goals or Expected Outcomes:

• To safely remove foreign objects or blood clots from the heart.
• To restore normal heart function and circulation.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Palpitations or irregular heart rhythms.
• Evidence of foreign objects or thrombus on imaging studies.

Patient Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of a foreign body or thrombus within the heart.
• Symptoms or complications arising from the obstruction.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery.

• Adjustment or discontinuation of certain medications as advised by the physician.

  Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood tests, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (EKG), and imaging studies (e.g., CT scan or MRI).

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made in the chest to access the heart.
3. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: The heart-lung machine is connected to take over the heart and lung functions.
4. Exploration: The heart is opened, and the surgeon examines the atria and ventricles.
5. Removal: Identified foreign bodies or thrombus are carefully removed.
6. Closure: The heart and chest incision are sutured closed.
7. Recovery: The patient is gradually weaned off the cardiopulmonary bypass.

Tools and Equipment:

• Surgical instruments for incision and suturing.
• Cardiopulmonary bypass machine.
• Imaging tools for visualization.

Anesthesia:

• General anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 3 to 5 hours.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Cardiothoracic surgeon.
• Surgical nurses.
• Anesthesiologist.
• Perfusionist (operates the cardiopulmonary bypass machine).

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Rare Risks:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Organ failure

Possible Complications:

• Managed with medications, additional surgery, or supportive care.

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Removal of foreign objects or thrombus improves heart function.
• Relief from symptoms and prevention of further complications.

Timeline:

• Benefits may be realized immediately after recovery from surgery.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Monitoring in the ICU initially.
• Medications for pain, infection prevention, and heart function support.

Recovery Time:

• Hospital stay of 1-2 weeks.
• Full recovery may take several weeks to months.

Restrictions and Follow-Up:

• Limited physical activity initially.
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart function and recovery.

Alternatives

Treatment Options:

• Thrombolytic therapy (medication to dissolve clots).
• Percutaneous procedures (less invasive).

Pros and Cons:

• Less invasive alternatives may not be suitable for all patients or situations.
• Surgical removal is definitive but involves more risk and recovery time.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Patients will be under general anesthesia and won't feel or remember the surgery.

After the Procedure:

• Some discomfort and pain.
• Pain management with medication.
• Gradual return to normal activities under medical guidance.

Conclusion

An exploratory cardiotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass is a critical surgical procedure designed to remove harmful foreign bodies or blood clots from the heart, using advanced techniques to ensure patient safety and restore optimal heart function.