Dr Wong’s Areas of Expertise are as follows:

• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (“on pump” and “off pump”)
• Heart Valve Surgery (repair or replacement)
• Aortic Surgery
• Arrhythmia Surgery (for atrial fibrillation)
• Management of Chest Injuries due to Trauma
• Infections in the Chest
• Air Leakage from the Lung Perforations
• Correction of Chest Wall Deformities, including Funnel Chest
• Tumours of the Chest, including Lung Cancer
• Mini-Key Hole Surgery (sympathectomy) for Sweaty Palms
• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

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CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery is an operation that is carried out to improve the blood flow to the heart muscle in people with coronary heart disease where the coronary arteries are severely narrowed or blocked.

The operation involves taking healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body and attaching them to the coronary arteries past the blockages. The blood is then able to flow around, or “bypass” the blockage. If more than one artery is narrowed or blocked, you may need more than one bypass. No medication or one single procedure can cure artery blockages in your heart. Although coronary artery stenting involves a smaller procedure, CABG is still the best option if there are many blockages in the main coronary arteries in terms of reducing the chance of heart attack, recurrence of angina and need for further procedures.

CABG surgery can be done with very low risk in this modern day and age in patients with low risk profile and if the surgery is done electively. The conventional way of conducting CABG surgery is using the heart lung machine but CABG can now be done without the heart lung machine, using the so-called “beating heart” technique, where the heart continues beating while the bypass graft is sewn in place. Dr Wong can discuss with you the various and best options available. Patients are admitted the day before surgery and usually stay in hospital for about 5 to 7 days after. Care of the patient involves multi-disciplinary teams including the pain relief nurses who will ensure there is minimal discomfort for patients.

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HEART VALVE SURGERY

Heart valve are ‘doors’ that control the flow of blood between the different chambers or parts of the heart.

In valvular heart disease, one or more of the heart valves become damaged and cannot function properly, either inability to open (stenosis) or the inability to close, hence leading to leakage (regurgitation).

The damaged valves can either be repaired or replaced. Your surgeon will always try to save as much of the valve as possible unless this affects the results of the surgery. The pros and cons of the different valve types will also be discussed.

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Dr Wong will also discuss,

1. Explain why surgery is the best option for your condition
2. Explain the different ways of treating your condition
3. Explain the benefits, risks and possible complications
4. Describe the surgical procedure
5. Explain the post-operative care and subsequent follow up
6. Answer your questions and clarify any doubts
7. Help you reach a decision and set a date for the surgery

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