What is heart failure surgery?
Heart failure surgery can address the underlying causes of heart failure, or it can be used to implant devices that help your heart pump blood. Each procedure has its own risks and benefits, and your cardiovascular surgeon will discuss all your options to help you make the right choice.
Heart failure is a term for when your heart no longer pumps blood efficiently or effectively. In many cases, lifestyle changes and medications can help you manage early-stage heart failure. However, when these options are no longer effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to help your heart, organs and tissues receive the blood, oxygen and nutrients they need.
What are the types of heart failure surgery?
If you're living with heart failure, there are several treatment options available. Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your condition.
Procedures to address underlying health conditions
You can develop heart failure for many reasons, including heart attacks, heart valve disease and heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Sometimes, surgery to treat these conditions can help improve symptoms of heart failure. These surgeries include:
- Coronary artery bypass graft, or bypass surgery, to reroute blood around blocked arteries that cause heart disease.
- Heart valve surgery to repair or replace faulty valves that cause issues such as aortic stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation.
These procedures may require open-heart surgeries. However, some heart problems can be treated using minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures, where a small incision is made in your leg or upper thigh and a tube (a catheter) is guided to your heart. Examples include:
- Coronary angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention, where your surgeon guides a balloon through a catheter to clear a blocked artery that’s causing or contributing to coronary artery disease.
- Mitral percutaneous repair or replacement, where a new mitral valve is placed inside a damaged valve or repaired.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), where a new aortic valve is placed inside a damaged valve.
- Tricuspid percutaneous repair or replacement, where a damaged tricuspid valve is repaired or replaced.
Ventricular assist devices
Your heart has two chambers called ventricles that pump blood into your major arteries. Your arteries include the aorta, which carries blood to the rest of your body, and the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from your heart to your lungs, where it receives oxygen.
When you have heart failure, your ventricles must work harder to pump blood into your arteries. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are mechanical pumps that can help your ventricles perform this function.
- A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) helps your left ventricle pump blood into the aorta.
- A right ventricular assist device (RVAD) helps your right ventricle pump blood into your pulmonary artery.
- A biventricular assist device (BiVAD) may be necessary if both your ventricles need support.
For some people, a VAD can serve as a long-term solution to heart failure. In others, however, a VAD is used as a form of temporary support while they wait for a heart transplant.
Total artificial heart
Like a VAD, a total artificial heart is a mechanical pump that helps your heart pump efficiently. It requires open-heart surgery and is mainly used for people who are waiting for a heart transplant.
A more comprehensive device than a VAD, a total artificial heart replaces the left and right ventricles and the four valves that allow blood to flow between the ventricles and the aorta and pulmonary artery. These devices essentially take over your heart’s function.
Heart transplantation
During a heart transplant, your cardiovascular surgeon replaces your heart with a healthy donor heart.
To receive a heart transplant, you must meet certain criteria and go through the donor registry process. Members of our heart transplant program team will walk you through the process and help you understand what to expect. You will also have the team’s support throughout your recovery to ensure you have the knowledge and treatments necessary to protect your new heart for as long as possible.
Benefits of heart failure surgery
Heart failure surgery can offer an effective solution if medications and lifestyle changes no longer help you manage symptoms. Surgery can help you maintain a better quality of life, while experiencing as few symptoms as possible.
Heart failure surgery can also help you avoid some of the long-term complications the condition can cause. As heart failure weakens your heart, other parts of your body may not get the blood they need, and you can develop other health issues, such as liver or kidney disease as a result.
What to expect
Open-heart surgery
Many heart failure surgeries are open-heart procedures. You will likely need tests, such as blood and imaging tests, in the days and weeks before your surgery. You’ll also receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking, as well as when to start or stop taking specific medication.
During surgery, your cardiovascular surgeon makes a large incision in your chest and opens your rib cage to access your heart. Your surgeon may also connect you to a heart-lung bypass machine. This device serves the function of your heart and lungs so the surgeon can operate on your heart while it’s not beating. You’ll be taken off the machine when the procedure is over, and your heart and lungs will resume their normal functions.
Minimally invasive heart failure surgery
Minimally invasive procedures may require pre-surgery testing. You will also receive instructions related to eating, drinking and medications.
During minimally invasive surgery, your cardiovascular surgeon will make a smaller incision and will not need to separate your rib cage. They’ll use a special camera that gives them a highly detailed view of your heart and small tools to operate.
Recovering from heart failure surgery
Open-heart surgeries generally require longer recovery than minimally invasive surgeries. In both cases, you’ll have regular follow-up visits with your care team so they can monitor your progress. These visits may involve more blood and imaging tests.
In addition to checkups and other routine medical visits, you can benefit from other services. Your care team may recommend cardiac rehabilitation, a comprehensive program that teaches you how to protect your heart through changes to diet and exercise habits, stress management, and other strategies.
Find a heart failure surgery location near you
You can access advanced heart failure specialists and experienced cardiovascular surgeons at our locations across Central and North Texas. No matter where you have your surgery, you can receive follow-up care and find our cardiac rehabilitation programs at a location convenient to you.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 600, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 210, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group – Frisco at PGA Parkway II
16050 Everwell Ln Ste 200, Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco at Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 450, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Denton
2801 S Mayhill Rd , Denton, TX, 76208
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton
3341 Unicorn Lake Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health
3500 Gaston Ave , Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Liver and Pancreas Disease Center - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 850, Dallas, TX, 75246
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Dallas
3410 Worth St Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm