Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery

Minimally Invasive Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (MIDCAB) is a type of heart surgery that involves bypassing blocked coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart. This procedure is considered "minimally invasive" because it is performed through a small incision in the chest, rather than the traditional open-heart surgery approach.

Procedure

The MIDCAB procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision on the left side of the chest to access the heart. Using a special retractor, the surgeon lifts the rib cage to expose the heart. The blocked coronary artery is then bypassed using a graft taken from the patient's own body, typically the internal mammary artery or a vein from the leg. The graft is attached to the coronary artery above and below the blockage, effectively creating a new route for blood to flow to the heart.

Benefits

MIDCAB surgery offers several benefits over traditional open-heart surgery. These include a smaller incision, less pain, reduced risk of infection, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery, and less scarring. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with multiple blocked coronary arteries.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, MIDCAB surgery carries some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, stroke, heart attack, irregular heart rhythms, and complications from anesthesia. The risk of complications is generally low, but can be influenced by the patient's overall health and the skill and experience of the surgical team.

Recovery

Recovery from MIDCAB surgery is typically quicker than from traditional open-heart surgery. Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days following the procedure. Full recovery can take several weeks, during which time patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and follow a heart-healthy diet.

See Also

• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Heart surgery
• Coronary artery disease