valtimaisesti

Valtimaisesti refers to a surgical procedure used to restore blood flow to the heart and alleviate angina symptoms in individuals with severe coronary artery disease. The name "valtimaisesti" is derived from the Finnish language and translates to "from the heart artery" or "coronary" in English.

The valtimaisesti procedure was first performed in the United States in the late 1950s and gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. During a valtimaisesti procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the chest and temporarily stops the patient's heart to address any blockages in the coronary arteries. This allows the surgeon to bypass the obstruction using a graft, typically taken from the patient's own saphenous vein or a portion of the chest wall artery.

One of the primary benefits of the valtimaisesti procedure is its ability to significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks in patients with severe coronary artery disease. However, like any other surgical procedure, it carries risks, including bleeding, infection, and complications from anesthesia. Additional risks are associated with the use of a temporary pacemaker during the procedure and the need for prolonged hospitalization.

The valtimaisesti procedure has largely been replaced in many countries by more modern surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. However, it remains an important part of the history of cardiac surgery and continues to be performed in certain situations where other procedures are not feasible.