The heart is a vital organ in the human body that pumps blood. The heart pumps about 7,600 liters of blood daily. Proper functioning of the heart is necessary to keep every other organ healthy. Various diseases affect the heart’s functioning, and surgical intervention may be required to treat them.

Cardiac surgery is still a major procedure, and it is crucial to select the best hospitals for successful results. With the availability of over six thousand hospitals in America alone, choosing one hospital can be difficult.

Who is a Cardiac Surgeon?

A cardiac surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in treating conditions related to the heart. They undergo extensive training and education to perform surgeries on the heart and blood vessels.

Differentiated into two categories based on different specialties.

• Cardiothoracic surgeon:

A cardiothoracic surgeon provides surgical intervention for diseases of the organs found in the chest, such as the lungs, esophagus, heart & its major blood vessels, and trachea.

• Pediatric Heart Surgeon:

Specialists in congenital heart diseases and child surgeries are known as pediatric heart surgeons. They focus on structural anomalies and heart problems that have been present since birth.

What are the Different Types of Cardiac Surgeries Performed in the USA?

The most common heart surgeries are:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) –It is the most common type of cardiac surgery. CABG involves taking a healthy vein or artery from the legs or chest and grafting it onto the blocked artery. As the name suggests, this surgery bypasses the blocked coronary artery and supplies blood to the heart muscles through a new path.
• Heart Valve Surgery –This surgery involves either repairing the existing valve or completely replacing it. The heart valve can be either replaced by an artificial valve or by a biological valve from a pig, cow, or human heart tissue. Heart valve surgery can be done through open heart surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
• Inserting Pacemaker or ICD –Medications are the first line of defense against arrhythmias. But if drugs fail to control the condition, cardiac surgeons step in. They implant a pacemaker directly into the chest or abdomen. The pacemaker’s wires connect to the heart chambers, allowing it to sense abnormal rhythms. When it detects an issue, the pacemaker delivers electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat.
• Heart Transplant –A heart transplant offers a lifesaving option for patients with severe heart failure who haven’t responded to other treatments. This complex surgery involves meticulously removing the diseased heart and replacing it with a healthy donor heart. The success of this procedure relies heavily on finding a compatible donor and the patient’s meticulous post-surgical care

Why Choose the USA for Cardiac Surgery?

In 1893, the first successful heart operation took place in America. For heart procedures, the nation has become a top destination for medical tourists. People choose to have their heart operations in the US for a number of reasons, some of which are stated below:

• Skilled Surgeons: America is home to some of the best cardiac surgeons in the world. They have received education and training from the best medical universities and hospitals. Highly skilled surgeons are well-versed with all the latest medical technologies and can handle complex cases.
• Advanced Techniques: All cutting-edge cardiac surgery methods, including minimally invasive surgery, robotic surgery, and modular operating rooms, are available in the USA. These methods contribute to quicker healing times and greater results.
• High-Quality Healthcare System: The healthcare system in America is excellent and focuses on providing patients with great care and safety. Patients can anticipate receiving the highest quality care since hospitals and healthcare providers are required to adhere to strict quality standards.
• Innovative Research and Clinical Trials: There are numerous renowned hospitals and research facilities in the US that carry out clinical trials in a variety of medical specialties, including cardiac surgery. Patients now have access to state-of-the-art surgeries and therapies that are not available in other nations.
• Accessibility: America has a highly developed network of roads, railroads, and airports. The majority of major cities throughout the world are easily accessible from the country. For patients from other countries, this facilitates travel.

How to Select the Best Cardiac Surgery Hospitals in the USA?

With so many cardiac surgery hospitals in America, choosing the best one can be challenging. Some of the factors that you should consider before finalizing a hospital are –

• Accreditation of the hospital:

Always opt for a hospital that has received accreditation’s from reputed organizations like the Joint Commission or the American Heart Association.

• Experience of the surgeon: 

Experienced surgeons boast higher success rates, putting you on the path to a positive outcome.

• Latest Medical Technology: 

Modern techniques empower surgeons to achieve higher success rates, leading to happier and healthier patients.

• Patient Reviews:

Insights empower you to gauge the quality of services provided, helping you make an informed decision about your healthcare.

• Supportive Care: 

Cardiac surgery is a complex procedure, and following a comprehensive care plan can significantly improve the results. for a hospital offering supportive services such as rehabilitation, counseling, and post-operative care.

Top 5 Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery in the USA

• Cleveland Clinic:

The Cleveland, Ohio, clinic was established in 1921 and has received Joint Commission accreditation. U.S. News and World Report has named it as the best hospital for heart surgery. Nonprofit multispecialty hospital Cleveland Clinic also serves as a teaching facility. The hospital system has a capacity of more than 6660 beds and operates in 275 locations. In Canada and Abu Dhabi, the clinic is also present internationally.

• Mayo Clinic: 

In barely 30 years since its founding in 1992, Mayo Clinic has experienced exponential expansion. With a staff of 4500 doctors, it is now present in more than 40 sites. The hospital is a renowned non-profit center for heart surgery that is renowned for its patient-centered care. Additionally, it features a division that is exclusively dedicated to serving the requirements of patients from outside.

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center:

The hospital, which initially had just 12 beds in Los Angeles, has since expanded to over 40 locations and currently sees over one million patients a year. It has 4500+ doctors on staff and is active in 1500+ research initiatives. For heart transplants and aortic valve replacements, the institution has earned the top spot.

• New York – Presbyterian Hospital:

 It is one of the most comprehensive and integrated healthcare facilities in the country, committed to giving patients high-quality care. There are around 2600 beds and 6500 doctors in the hospital. Annual patient visits at New York Presbyterian Hospital exceed 2 million. The hospital’s cardiac surgery unit is furnished with the most modern tools and technology. In 1984, the New York-Presbyterian Hospital became the first medical facility to undertake a pediatric heart transplant.

• NYU Langone Hospitals: Ranked number one in New York and third in America, is a cutting-edge healthcare service network. In more than 550 locations, it has over 46,000 employees working for it. The facility is the most reputable for cardiac surgery and provides top-notch medical amenities. The cardiac surgeons NYU Langone has chosen are highly qualified and trained in a variety of heart operations.

Conclusion

One of the most frequent operations performed in US hospitals is cardiac surgery. America will be a good alternative if you or anyone you know is looking for cardiac surgery choices. The nation’s hospitals are renowned for:

• Top-notch amenities
• Cutting-edge diagnostic labs
• Modular operating rooms
• Cutting-edge medical equipment
• Qualified surgeons.