Off-pump coronary artery bypass

Off-pump coronary artery bypass (also known as OPCAB) is a type of coronary artery bypass surgery that is performed without the use of a heart-lung machine. This procedure is also referred to as beating heart bypass surgery because the heart continues to beat during the operation.

History

The first successful off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery was performed by Dr. Dimitri Novitzky in 1985. Since then, the procedure has been refined and is now widely used in cardiothoracic surgery.

Procedure

In off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, the surgeon stabilizes the area of the heart where the bypass is needed, but the rest of the heart continues to function and pump blood through the body. This is in contrast to traditional on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB) surgery, where the heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine takes over the function of the heart and lungs.

The surgeon uses specialized equipment to stabilize the part of the heart and a coronary artery from another part of the body is then attached to the blocked artery, bypassing the blocked area. This allows blood to flow around the blockage.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery has several advantages over traditional on-pump surgery. It avoids the complications associated with the use of the heart-lung machine, such as stroke and cognitive impairment. It also reduces the risk of bleeding, infection, and kidney damage.

However, off-pump surgery is technically more challenging and requires a high level of skill and experience. It may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those with multiple blocked arteries or poor heart function.

Recovery

Recovery from off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is similar to recovery from traditional bypass surgery. Patients are typically hospitalized for several days and then continue their recovery at home. Cardiac rehabilitation is often recommended to help patients regain strength and improve their heart health.

See Also

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart surgery
• Cardiac rehabilitation