open-heart

adjective

ˌō-pən-ˈhärt 

: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage

open-heart surgery

Examples of open-heart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 5 1/2-hour open-heart surgery was a success. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026

About half need open-heart surgery during infancy. — Michelle Sie Whitten, STAT, 25 June 2026

The heart-lung machine that has evolved over the years circulates and oxygenates blood during open-heart surgery. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 20 May 2026

Comparing a guy trying to get an extra year of eligibility to a quarterback who placed bets on his own team is like comparing a paper cut to open-heart surgery. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open-heart

• counterpart
• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart

Kids Definition

open-heart

adjective

: of, relating to, or done on a heart temporarily stopped and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage

open-heart surgery

Medical Definition

open-heart

adjective

: of, relating to, or performed on a heart temporarily stopped and relieved of circulatory function and surgically opened for repair of defects or damage

open-heart surgery