Heart bypass problems

[gedrock]

I've been told that after a heart bypass surgery there could a condition called "Humphead".
       This condition apparently effects the brain.What does this condition do?
                                              Thankyou Ged

[Cleveland Clinic]

The above mentioned poster is correct, it is referred colloquially as 'pumphead' and while its cause is not know for certainty it is thought o be related to atherotic showering of the brain as the aorta is cross clamped, or can also be caused by problems with circulatory arrest times in other forms of surgery. It you are relatively young and do not have a very calcified aorta then your risk of developing this showering or plaque to the brain is small. Ask you surgeon about his own particular experience and methods of avoiding this untoward side effect.

[runnertom]

Gedrock,
You misunderstood or the person you were listening to misspoke. The term is "pumphead" referring to mostly transient loss of memory after being on the heart bypass pump. Its not a reason to avoid bypass if you need it. There is also the surgical technique called off-pump or beating heart bypass where you are not placed on the machine. I think this minimizes the phenomena but all patients are not candidates due to a number of factors.

[Jkm7]

Not all heart surgery is bypass.  Heart Valve repairs and replacements also require open heart surgery and use of heart lung machine.

[CMcH]

My mother is going to have Aortic valve replacement at Kaiser. She is 81 and has quite a bit of calcification. Doc's stated that her opening was only .7 and it was critical to do ASAP. My mother is a very active, hardy old farm girl that does aqua-size, gardens and watches my twins. My siblings and I are very concerned because she has always been the rock in our family. Her surgery is this Friday 4-18 what should I expect for her recovery? She is only going to have the L shape opening not the whole Sternum. I would like to hear worst and best case scenerios if anyone has time.
PS Tom do you run? I just had an awesome run up in the hills her in CA. I love the spring time.

[jolej]

Can off pump bypass surg also have memory loss effects.I am struggl;ling to do simple things and can't spell anymore. I had robotic surg nov 07 for a 80+%  block in the Y of the LAD. I am or was a young66