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Published on: February 10, 2022
[The evolution of cardiac surgery]
Ottavio Alfieri1, Davide Carino2, Elisabetta Lapenna2
1Dipartimento di Cardiochirurgia, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano - Alfieri Heart Foundation, Milano.
Insights
Cardiac surgery evolved significantly from mid-20th century innovations like the heart-lung machine to modern minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical History
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Cardiac surgery originated in the mid-20th century.
- The development of the heart-lung machine revolutionized open-heart procedures.
- Significant advancements occurred throughout the late 20th century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a concise historical review of cardiac surgery.
- To highlight key milestones and technological advancements.
- To outline future perspectives in the field.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of cardiac surgery literature.
- Chronological analysis of surgical techniques and technologies.
- Discussion of evolutionary trends in cardiovascular interventions.
Main Results:
- Cardiac surgery has progressed from open-heart procedures to minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches.
- Technological innovations, such as the heart-lung machine, have been pivotal.
- The field continues to evolve with new techniques and future possibilities.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac surgery has undergone a dramatic evolution, enhancing cardiovascular disease treatment.
- Minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques represent the modern frontier.
- The future of cardiac surgery promises further innovation and improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Cardiac surgery roots date back to the first half of the last century. Subsequently, thanks to the heart-lung machine development, which allowed to operate within the cardiac chambers under direct vision, the huge potentials of this discipline in cardiovascular disease treatment have fully manifested. In the following years, until the end of the last century, the surgical treatment of heart disease progressed steadily and consistently. From the beginning of the millennium, the discipline of cardiac surgery underwent a strong evolutionary process with the advent of minimally invasive procedures and transcatheter techniques. In this article we will briefly review the history of the evolution of cardiac surgery. Finally, possible future perspectives will be outlined.
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