Day 7: Hospital Highlight - Cardiac Surgery

For day 2 of the hospital rotations, we rotated to the next program: cardiac surgery. 7G goers were able to scrub up and observe from afar cardiac surgery as well as meet patients and their families. During the first hour, the small group would split off into two groups: one group talked with the heart patient first and his or her family in the patient's room, while the other group scrubbed in to watch a cardiac surgery procedure. 

In the first option, our 7G goers were able to talk one-on-one with the heart patients prior or post surgery. Cameras were not allowed in the patients' room or in the waiting area in order to protect patient privacy. In addition, names are not included for patient privacy. However, we were able to hear stories from the patient's family about their situation and struggle. In particular, we were able to meet a patient who was only 8 months old who needed cardiac surgery. The family found out at birth that their child had a genetic disorder called Tetralogy of Fallot, which is a congenital heart defect that involves four anatomical abnormalities of the heart. It was necessary for the surgery to occur in order for the child to live normally. Out of the whole family, the child was the only one who had this genetic disorder. The child was under 7 kg, and the family came from the countryside. They had to venture out to the city of Saigon in order to get the operation. Even though they had no money, the child and his or her family got help from the government. The child was currently waiting for an opening in the surgery. They have been waiting for a month.

In these patient rooms, 7G goers were also able to observe the difference of the patients' room in Vietnam versus in the United States. Keep in mind that this is the old part of the medical center and that the medical center is beginning to build a new part that is more modern. They are currently transitioning to a new healthcare system that is similar the the hospitals in the United States. We noted that it was quite more crowded, as there were 5 patients in one room. In addition, the families were observant for their family than the nurses, as the families would be fanning the patient in the midst of the heat. While the patient waits for surgery, the doctor would see the patient and his or her family once or twice a week. Often times, the family is the one that feeds the patient with their own food. The medical center, in the old part, does not give meals.

A poster demonstrating proper patient care.

In the second hour, our 7G goers were able to change into scrubs and observe cardiac surgery. We were able to see the heart naked, still in the chest and open for us to observe. We were able to see different procedures, ranging from a valve replacement to repairing a chamber in the heart. We were able to see, hear, and smell the surgery procedure. We experienced the cardiac surgery from afar away from the surgeon's way. Warning: there are pictures of the open heart below. 

In preparation for the surgery, the 7G goers were able to observe the process of cardiac surgery.

Vital signs were posted on the monitor for observation during the course of the surgery.

The anesthesiologist prepares the patient for the surgery. 

A lot of machinery was required in order to carry out this complex heart procedure.

Minh is able to watch the cardiac surgery from afar. Photos were allowed in the operation room. Photo taken by Minh.

The open heart. This procedure was the replacement of a valve. Photo taken by Clara.

The open heart in the progress of the cardiac surgery. Photo taken by Minh.

Ranging from different ages, cardiac surgery was required based on the condition of the patient.

By the end of the day, the 7G goers were able to witness the power of surgery in terms of how complex it is and how it change someone's life. In retrospect, with some of the 7G goers who want to become surgeons in the future, we learned that medicine requires a significant amount of education and skill. In the fragility of life, it is important that the person doing the surgery fully comprehends the situation at hand. To mend the patient must be done by first knowing how.

Written by Johnson. Unless otherwise noted, most of the photos were taken by David.