Open heart surgery involves opening the chest to operate directly on the heart or surrounding structures. Common procedures include heart valve surgery, repair of congenital defects, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Before surgery, patients undergo tests to assess cardiac function and risks. During surgery, general anesthesia is induced carefully to maintain stable hemodynamics while the heart is monitored closely using techniques like pulmonary artery catheters. Premedication aims to minimize stress on the heart during induction and intubation.