When someone in the family is told they need heart surgery, the first reaction is usually fear. Questions start coming in fast — Is it dangerous? How long will it take? Will they be okay? These are completely normal things to feel. The good news is that with the right heart doctor in Delhi and proper information, most patients go through this journey much better than they imagined.

This blog tries to explain open heart surgery in simple words — what it involves, when it is needed, and what questions to ask your doctor before taking the next step.

What Is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery is a procedure where the surgeon opens the chest to work directly on the heart. It sounds scary, but it is one of the most commonly performed major surgeries in India today. Thousands of patients undergo it every year and go on to live healthy, active lives afterward.

The term "open" refers to the chest being opened — not the heart itself. The surgery is done while the heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung bypass machine keeps the blood flowing through the body during the procedure.

Some of the most common reasons a doctor may recommend open heart surgery include:

• Blocked arteries — When the arteries supplying blood to the heart get narrowed due to fat deposits, a bypass surgery (also called CABG) is done to create a new path for blood flow.
• Damaged heart valves — Valves that are leaking or not opening properly may need to be repaired or replaced.
• Heart failure conditions — In severe cases, procedures like heart transplant or LVAD may be required.
• Congenital defects — Some people are born with structural problems in the heart that require surgical correction.

CABG — The Most Common Open Heart Procedure

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, commonly called CABG, is probably the most talked-about heart surgery. It is done when one or more arteries of the heart are significantly blocked. Instead of relying on those blocked arteries, the surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body — usually the leg or chest — and uses it to create a bypass route around the blockage.

The result is improved blood flow to the heart, which reduces chest pain, lowers the risk of a heart attack, and helps the patient breathe and move around more easily.

Many families ask about the CABG cost in Delhi before making a decision. The cost can vary depending on the hospital, the number of bypasses needed, the patient's overall health, and the duration of hospital stay. At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where Dr Sujay Shad practices, It is always a good idea to discuss the full estimated cost with your doctor's team in advance so there are no surprises.

Before You Go into the Operating Theatre

Preparation matters a lot. Once your heart doctor in Delhi recommends surgery, a series of tests will be done — blood work, ECG, echocardiogram, angiography, and sometimes a chest X-ray. These help the surgical team understand exactly what they are dealing with and plan the procedure accordingly.

You will also be asked to:

• Stop certain medications a few days before surgery (your doctor will guide you on this)
• Fast for several hours before the procedure
• Inform the team about any allergies or past medical history

If you are a family member accompanying the patient, stay calm and ask questions. A good surgical team will always take time to explain what is going to happen and what to expect.

Recovery After Open Heart Surgery

Most patients spend a few days in the ICU right after surgery, followed by a week or more in a regular hospital room. Once discharged, recovery at home takes around 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the individual.

During recovery:

• Avoid lifting heavy things or driving for several weeks
• Eat heart-healthy food — less oil, salt, and sugar; more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Do light walking as advised by your doctor — it helps the heart and lungs recover
• Attend all follow-up appointments without skipping them

Many patients feel anxious during recovery, which is completely understandable. But with consistent care and support, most people are back to their normal routine within three months.

Why Experience Matters in Heart Surgery

Heart surgery is not something to take lightly. The outcome depends heavily on the skill and experience of the surgical team. A surgeon who has operated on thousands of complex heart cases brings a level of precision and calm that is hard to replace.

Dr. Sujay Shad is a Professor and Senior Consultant of Heart Surgery at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. He has performed hundreds of life-saving surgeries, including CABG, valve repairs, aortic surgeries, and heart transplants. He was also the first cardiac surgeon to successfully perform heart transplants in a private hospital in North India.

His patients often talk about how he explains things clearly, takes every case seriously — no matter how complex — and remains available for follow-up even after the surgery is done.

One Last Thing

If someone you love has been recommended open heart surgery, do not panic. Gather information, ask your doctor every question on your mind, and trust the process. Surgery is often the beginning of a better, healthier life — not the end of a normal one.

For appointments or queries, you can reach Dr. Sujay Shad's team at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, 5th Floor, Heart Centre, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi — or call +91 9911177891.