Open heart surgery in Prof. Öztekin Oto Heart Clinic

Open heart surgery at Prof. Öztekin Oto Heart Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, offers patients advanced surgical options for complex cardiac conditions. The clinic provides both traditional methods and innovative minimally invasive techniques led by a world-recognized surgical team. Patients benefit from the expertise of Prof. Dr. Öztekin Oto, who pioneered heart-lung transplantation in Turkey and served as President of the European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery.

Advanced Surgical Methods

The clinic specializes in two main approaches for cardiac intervention. The classical method involves a full sternotomy, which is a standard chest incision, and lasts between three and four hours. For eligible cases, Prof. Dr. Öztekin Oto performs minimally invasive awake surgery through a small 5 cm opening. This method uses a high thoracic epidural instead of general anesthesia. This means the patient stays awake during the procedure, which helps speed up the healing process. According to clinic data, 90% of bypass grafts remain functional for more than 10 years.

Safety and Preparation

Before surgery, every patient undergoes a detailed medical assessment. Doctors check blood pressure, lung function, and the health of the carotid arteries. The team also screens for oral or dental infections to prevent post-surgical complications. Patients typically arrive at the clinic one day before the procedure to complete blood typing and final tests. These protocols help manage risks like diabetes or existing infections before the operation starts.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-operative care begins with a stay in the Intensive Care Unit for at least 24 hours. The medical team then moves the patient to a standard ward for pain management and breathing exercises. Recovery times depend on the surgical method used:

• Classical Surgery: Typically requires a hospital stay of about one week.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: Patients are often discharged in 3 to 5 days.
• Travel Readiness: Patients undergoing the small-incision method are usually cleared to fly by the fifth day.

Expertise of Prof. Dr. Öztekin Oto

Prof. Dr. Öztekin Oto is a Cardiovascular Surgeon with fellowships in both the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology. He developed a patented cannula specifically for minimally invasive heart surgery. His experience includes heart transplantation and congenital heart repairs. The clinic holds an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate from the Turkish government, supporting its standards for international care. You can leave a request on Bookimed to learn more about a personalized treatment plan.