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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
After open heart surgery with no sternum
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
After open heart surgery with no sternum
by openchestman, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
I had open heart surgery June 14 2005. I had 5 surgeries since the wires joining the sternum kept pulling out. They tried wires twice, then a plate with boldts to no avail. Then I had an anurysm that they removed, then used my pectoral and ab muscle to graft my chest to hold the rib cage. Has anyone also had this procedure done? Now it is almost 1 year latter and I am still only able to lift 5 lbs, and am restricted in my mobility. I was a home inspector and now am permanently disabled. I am wondering if any of these things get better.
I am interested if any doctors heard of this procedure, or know anything about the long term prognosis. I have trying to put this question in since August when I got out of the hospital after 2 months in intensive care.
I am interested if any doctors heard of this procedure, or know anything about the long term prognosis. I have trying to put this question in since August when I got out of the hospital after 2 months in intensive care.
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
openchest man,
Fitting name.
There are some sternal reconstructive procedures for patients with sternal instability. Like you, most patients thhat have had significant complications from their sternal wound after open heart surgery tend to have protracted courses.
I would seek an opinion from a plastic reconstructive surgeon as they generally work with cardiothoracic surgeons in these types of procedures. I would also consider seeking an opinion at a center that does a larger number of these types of procedures.
good luck
Fitting name.
There are some sternal reconstructive procedures for patients with sternal instability. Like you, most patients thhat have had significant complications from their sternal wound after open heart surgery tend to have protracted courses.
I would seek an opinion from a plastic reconstructive surgeon as they generally work with cardiothoracic surgeons in these types of procedures. I would also consider seeking an opinion at a center that does a larger number of these types of procedures.
good luck
Member Comments (3)
by mend, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
You sound like you have been through so much! I have been told to have open heart surgery, plus the aortic valve at the sametime. That certainly makes one think about doing the surgery. It will be interesting to see if someone can give you some answers. Have you ever thought to go to CC?
by mend, May 03, 2006 12:00AM
To: anacyde
Thanks for answering my post. I am a female and small and have read that is not good. The thing that confuses me is because I have ischemia is the reason they want to go ahead with the surgery. I was told at Johns Hopkins that I would need the valve done in a couple of years or sooner, and then they would do the blockages at the sametime. He told me if I did not get my symptoms controlled with medicines, then they would have to go ahead with surgery. I had to go to the ER in Jan. because of symptoms, and that is why they are saying surgery. I did not go to the ER at Johns Hopkins, because I was too far away. The cardiologist called him later. The valve is not quite ready and the arteries are 70% blocked. The one off the LAD maybe 80% (it can't be stented because of where it sets off the LAD. There are 5 in all. The main reason for the suggestion for surgery is ischemia. I have tried to put a post in here, but I can never get in. I don't know why I can't wait for this surgery. The cardiologist at JH e-mails, and I have not e-mailed to ask him why, although I think I know the answer. I appreciate any answers that is given to me. If I do not have ischemia a lot, why are they wanting me to do it now?
