Oh, What a Feeling!

This week offered new experiences. We were finally able to “coil” a patient that had previously been rescheduled due to complications. I am glad that it happened this soon as the patient had an aneurysm measuring 14 x 11 mm. Luckily, there was no hemorrhage or any other complications. The case went very well and the patient is expected to make a full recovery.

Cardiothoracic surgery is amazing. I was afforded the opportunity, along with my colleague, Jan Kostecki, to observe a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft). In this procedure, the patient’s vasculature around the heart was badly compromised. The plan was to endoscopically take veins from this patient’s legs to replace the vasculature of the heart. The process of removing the veins from the legs of the patient has come a long way. In the past, a surgeon excised the vein by scalpel, leaving horrible scars and a substantial would to heal from. This procedure was done with only to small incisions above and below the inside of both knees. It was very exciting to see how technology had changed.

While a doctor was getting the replacement vessels, another surgeon was working to prepare the thoracic cavity. For the procedure, the chest was opened via a scalpel and sternum saw. The appropriate vessels were cauterized to minimize bleeding and the patient was put on the heart and lung bypass machine. Cardiothoracic surgery is unlike neurosurgery where a screen shows you everything that the surgeon is doing. In cardio surgeries, one needs to be very close to see what is going on. Both Jan and I were constantly trying to walking around the room to get the best spot. At some point, one of the nurses told us that we could stand on a step stool behind the patient’s head so that we could have a better perspective. We were cautioned to only stay there momentarily as not to upset the attending surgeon, Dr. Krieger. By the time Dr. Krieger showed up, we were only on the outskirts, making sure not to be in anyone’s way. He saw us looking on and asked who we were. I explained that we were graduate students in BME from the main campus. At that point, he told us to reclaim our prior position near the patient’s head. He began explaining everything. The anesthesiologist had to ask us to move to check on the patient’s vitals. Those moments were very short as Dr. Krieger was intent to explain the finer points of this procedure and the procedure was progressing well. We were blown away by the procedure and his kindness. We learned so much and it was really exciting to see a person’s heart and lungs. Books can’t really capture what my eyes beheld. The heart’s beating was fascinating. Even when cooled with ice, this person heart was so strong that it continued to beat. After finishing the procedure, the person was immediately able to come off of the bypass machine and use his own heart to pump blood to his entire body. It was amazing to see and very fortunate for this patient. The procedure was a success and cardiothoracic surgery is a very cool place to be.

My experience really can’t be described in words. During these 6 weeks, I have tried to capture the highlights but my words pale in comparison to the actual experience. I hope that you all have enjoyed the depictions of my experiences. I hope that in the future I am afforded this opportunity again. Besides, the procedures, I was able to have meaningful dialogue with some physicians about potential collaborations and consulting opportunities after graduation. I am very excited and look forward to the future as I think that it will be a bright one. Also, I have a new appreciation for the hard work that so many put forth to take care of patients and give them the best opportunity for a successful recovery. I am glad to have been a participant in the 2006 Biomedical Engineering Summer Immersion at Weil Medical College of Cornell University.