Heart Surgery

Risks

Like any medical procedure, heart surgery isn’t without risks—some minor and others much more serious.

Minor risks of heart surgery can include the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Minor infections
  • Minor bleeding or bruising
  • Abnormal or painful scar formation
  • Allergic skin reaction to tape, dressings, or latex
  • Skin numbness

Among the rare but more serious risks of heart surgery can include the following:

  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Other heart and lung problems
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve or organ damage
  • Allergic reactions to anesthesia and medications
  • Death (occurs in 2% to 5% of cases)

Improving Patient Care

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) is the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology. Founded in 1978, SCAI’s mission is to lead the global interventional cardiovascular community through education, advocacy, research, and quality patient care. 

SCAI has dedicated its work to advancing the profession and is the designated society for guidance, representation, professional recognition, education, and research opportunities for invasive and interventional cardiology professionals. For more than 40 years, SCAI has personified professional excellence and innovation globally, fostering a trusted community of more than 4,500 members dedicated to medical advancement and lifesaving care for adults and children with cardiovascular disease.  

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions®

1100 17th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036