There are risks associated with all surgical procedures, and heart surgery is considered major surgical operations. Our surgeons have decades of experience and strive to minimize these risks, though risk can never be completely avoided. It is important that each patient’s risks are carefully reviewed before surgery to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Patients may discuss the risks of heart surgery with their cardiologist or primary care physician. Our cardiac surgeons will also discuss all heart surgery risks before the planned operation.

Some of the risks associated with heart surgery include: stroke, heart attack, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, breathing problems, drug reactions, blood reactions, arrhythmias and death. There are specific risks associated with each type of surgery, and you will discuss these risks when you meet with your surgeon prior to surgery.