Open heart surgery is a medical procedure used to treat various heart conditions. During this surgery, a surgeon makes a large incision in the chest to access the heart. Common reasons for this surgery include repairing damaged heart valves, bypassing blocked arteries, or correcting congenital heart defects. The procedure typically requires the use of a heart-lung machine, which takes over the heart's pumping function while the surgeon works. Recovery can take several weeks, and patients often need to follow a rehabilitation program to regain strength and improve heart health after surgery.