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HEART
SURGERY AT AFFORDABLE COSTS
An internationally acclaimed Cardio-thoracic Surgeon, Dr.V.V.
Bashi, Clinical Director and Chief Surgeon, Malar Hospitals,
performs beating heart operations and is also credited with
the country's first autograft stenting.
Could you tell us about beating Heart surgery?
 Beating
heart surgery is performed on those with high-risk. For the high-risk
category, it will be difficult to put them on a heart-lung machine.
The disadvantages of using the heart-lung method are that it needs
large amounts of blood. Normally, 6-10 units of blood is needed
for the heart and lung method. In beating heart surgery, hardly
any blood is needed. It is almost bloodless. Total costs will drastically
reduce in the beating heart operation by Rs.20, 000. Patients take
less time to recover. Long-term results might be the same, but the
short-term benefits will be high.
Is this technique new to the country?
It started in the1960's. Earlier also beating heart operations
were done. It is not that it is new. Doctors have started adopting
this method again now along with the ones with the heart-lung machine.
How frequently is this method adopted?
In the U.S. nearly 20% of the heart operations are Open Heart
Operations. In India, it is much lower.
How long have you been doing this operation?
I have been doing this for the past 7-8 years.
What has been the success rate at the Cardiac
Unit?
In the past three months, we have done 150 operations at the cardiac
unit, with a success rate of 99.5%
Could you tell us about the Heart Care Forum
of India?
Heart Care Forum members help the patients in many ways.
We intend to increase public awareness about the heart and its ailments.
We also would like to undertake a study and identify the risk factors
and the risk categories.
 Who
are the ones most susceptible to a heart attack?
Those with a family history of Heart complaints, Diabetes, over
weight, those with Hypertension are risk categories. Constant screening
test is needed to identify risk
How can a person prevent heart ailments?
One needs to be very cautious about the diet. A vegetarian diet
is good for the heart. Stress is very bad for heart. Avoiding things,
which tend to increase stress levels, will help in the long run.
Does Cardiac arrest and Heart attack mean
the same?
No.Cardiac arrest is the stopping of the heart.
Why do you think heart complaints are on the
rise in urban India?
Heart ailments are on the rise in urban areas in India. Nearly
20% of the population are affected due to the fast pace of life
and the stress it imposes on the individual. Out of 10, nearly 4
die due to heart complaints in urban areas.
What should be done immediately for a person
complaining of acute chest pain?
A person affected with heart attack should be given a cardiac massage.
It is better that people learn cardiac massage. In India, this kind
of life-saving awareness is not there.
What should a layman know about the heart?
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore avoid such food and lifestyle
which is stressful. After the 30's, a routine check up of the cholesterol
and lipids should be done annually. Check for diabetes and take
a balanced diet. Exercise is the most essential thing. It is very
important. Yoga helps to a considerable extent.
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