Open-heart surgery is a medical procedure used to treat various heart conditions. During this surgery, a surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The heart may be temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over its functions, allowing the surgeon to repair or replace damaged heart valves, arteries, or other structures. This type of surgery is often performed to address issues such as coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, or congenital heart defects. Recovery can take several weeks, and patients may need to follow a rehabilitation program to regain strength and improve heart health.