About the Treatment Method
Small Incision Bypass Without Stopping the Heart
Yes, this is generally one of the greatest features of this method. The heart is not stopped and is not connected to a heart-lung machine. While only that 1-centimeter millimetric vascular area to be bypassed is stabilized with a special vacuum device called an "octopus", the heart continues to beat and pump blood to the body (Beating Heart technique).
Its biggest advantage is that post-operative pain is dramatically less since no bones are cut, and the patient can return to their normal life (within 1-2 weeks) without waiting for the bone to heal. Also, since the patient is not connected to a heart machine, the risks of kidney, brain (stroke), and lung damage that may develop due to the machine drop to zero.
While it was only done for a single vessel (LAD) on the front surface in the past, today experienced surgeons can perform multiple (multivessel) bypasses on 2 or 3 vessels at once by entering through this small incision with the help of endoscopic instruments. However, open surgery is still a safer option in very complex 4-5 vessel blockages.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
