Open Heart Surgery vs. Closed Heart Surgery — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 29, 2023
Open Heart Surgery involves opening the chest and heart. Closed Heart Surgery repairs the heart without opening the chest.
Difference Between Open Heart Surgery and Closed Heart Surgery
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Open Heart Surgery is a procedure where the chest is surgically opened and surgery is performed on the muscles, valves, or arteries of the heart. In contrast, Closed Heart Surgery involves making small incisions and performing heart surgery without fully opening the chest, often using specialized instruments and techniques.
During Open Heart Surgery, the heart may be exposed and the patient is often connected to a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the heart's pumping action. Closed Heart Surgery, on the other hand, doesn't require stopping the heart; therefore, the need for a bypass machine is not always necessary, as the heart continues beating during the surgery.
Open Heart Surgery is typically utilized for complex and invasive heart procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, or heart transplant. Closed Heart Surgery is generally used for less invasive procedures that can be accomplished with smaller incisions and more focused access to the heart.
Recovery from Open Heart Surgery can be more challenging and lengthy due to the invasiveness of the procedure, including a longer hospital stay and more limitations during the recovery period. Conversely, Closed Heart Surgery usually involves a shorter hospital stay and recovery time, with less pain and a lower risk of infection, as the incisions are smaller.
The risks associated with Open Heart Surgery can be higher due to the comprehensive nature of the surgery, including complications like bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Closed Heart Surgery, while still serious, typically presents fewer risks and complications, attributed to its less invasive nature.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Word Type
Noun Phrase
Noun Phrase
Syllables
Five
Four
Plural Form
Open Heart Surgeries
Closed Heart Surgeries
Part of Speech
Used as a noun
Used as a noun
Modifiers
Often used with adjectives
Often used with adjectives
Compare with Definitions
Open Heart Surgery
A procedure requiring the opening of the chest wall to repair the heart.
She's recovering from open heart surgery performed last week.
Closed Heart Surgery
Surgery done on the heart using specialized instruments without a large incision.
The surgeon opted for closed heart surgery to reduce post-operative risks.
Open Heart Surgery
Any surgery in which the heart is exposed and the blood made to bypass it.
After the accident, he needed open heart surgery to restore cardiac function.
Closed Heart Surgery
A technique where heart procedures are performed without exposing the organ.
He underwent closed heart surgery for a quicker return to everyday activities.
Open Heart Surgery
Surgery performed on the heart's interior structures.
Open heart surgery is often required for complex congenital heart defects.
Closed Heart Surgery
A surgical procedure on the heart done without opening the chest wall.
His defect was corrected using closed heart surgery techniques.
Open Heart Surgery
A surgical procedure involving direct manipulation of the heart.
Her father underwent open heart surgery to repair a faulty valve.
Closed Heart Surgery
Heart surgery performed through small incisions.
Closed heart surgery offers faster recovery times for patients.
Open Heart Surgery
An invasive procedure where the chest is opened to operate on the heart.
The patient's coronary arteries were bypassed during open heart surgery.
Closed Heart Surgery
A less invasive method of operating directly on the heart.
The child had a closed heart surgery to repair the hole in her heart.
Common Curiosities
How long is the recovery period after Open Heart Surgery?
Recovery can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the individual's health and procedure complexity.
Can all heart conditions be treated with Closed Heart Surgery?
No, Closed Heart Surgery is suitable for certain conditions, while others require the more invasive Open Heart Surgery.
Does Closed Heart Surgery require general anesthesia?
Yes, patients are typically under general anesthesia during Closed Heart Surgery.
Are there age limitations for Closed Heart Surgery?
Patient selection depends on individual health, the specific condition, and surgical risks, not just age.
Is Closed Heart Surgery a new technique?
It's been around for some time but advances in technology have made these procedures more accessible.
What is Open Heart Surgery?
Open Heart Surgery is an invasive procedure where surgeons open the chest to perform surgery on the heart.
Is Closed Heart Surgery always an option?
Not always; it depends on the specific heart condition and the patient's overall health.
What are common procedures performed during Open Heart Surgery?
Common procedures include valve repair or replacement, heart transplant, and coronary artery bypass grafting.
What entails Closed Heart Surgery?
Closed Heart Surgery involves repairing the heart through smaller incisions without fully opening the chest.
Is Open Heart Surgery riskier than Closed Heart Surgery?
Generally, yes, Open Heart Surgery is considered riskier due to its more invasive nature.
How long does Open Heart Surgery typically take?
It can take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the procedure's complexity.
Are there visible scars after Open Heart Surgery?
Yes, there is usually a visible scar down the center of the chest.
Do lifestyle changes follow Open Heart Surgery?
Often, patients are advised to adopt healthier lifestyles post-surgery to improve heart health.
Can you exercise after Open Heart Surgery?
Yes, after full recovery and clearance from the doctor, but the activity level should be gradually increased.
What is the main benefit of Closed Heart Surgery?
It generally offers a faster recovery with less pain and a lower infection risk.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Neuropeptides vs. Neurotransmitters
Next Comparison
MI5 vs. MI6Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
