Bypass Surgery

Services

Understanding
Bypass Surgery

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

Bypass surgery is a commonly performed procedure for patients with blocked coronary arteries when medications, ballooning, or stenting are no longer effective. This surgery aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle by diverting blood around clogged arteries using grafts. In advanced cases of coronary artery disease, bypass surgery may be considered the most comprehensive, effective, or necessary treatment option.

Approaches

Minimally Invasive

Off-Pump Surgery

Entry through a median sternotomy without stopping the heart and without using the heart-lung machine.

Special equipment and techniques allow the surgeon to perform the procedure safely and efficiently.

On-Pump Beating Heart Surgery

Uses the heart-lung machine without stopping the heart.

Suitable for patients with poor heart function or complex artery conditions.

Provides more space and ease for bypass connections, reducing the need to manipulate the heart excessively.

MIDCABG and MVST

Small incision on the front side surface of the chest, below and left of the left nipple.

Bypasses all three arteries of the heart from a small chest wall incision.

Advanced technology allows for comprehensive bypasses through a minimally invasive approach.

Hybrid Bypass Procedure

Combines surgical and cardiological techniques for complete revascularization.

Surgeon performs some bypasses through a small incision, while the cardiologist completes the procedure with stenting.

Performed in a single operation in an advanced hybrid operating theatre.

Open Heart

Off-Pump Surgery

Requires a median sternotomy, but the heart continues to beat during surgery.

Special equipment, such as heart positioning devices and suction tools, are used.

On-Pump Beating Heart Surgery

The heart is connected to a heart-lung machine without being stopped.

Suitable for patients with poor heart function, thin or calcified arteries, or significant fat tissue or adhesions on the heart surface.

Provides more stability and allows for easier bypass connections without manipulating the heart excessively.

Hybrid Bypass Procedure

Combines surgical bypasses with stenting performed by a cardiologist.

Used when all necessary bypasses cannot be placed through a small chest wall incision.

Offers full revascularization and can be completed in a single operation.

Conditions Treated

Surgery is recommended for patients with:

Minimally Invasive

Open Heart

What to expect

Before Surgery

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

  • Thorough evaluation including detailed medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging (e.g. CT scan) to tailor the surgical plan.
  • Consultation with (Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis to discuss minimally invasive & open heart options, their potential benefits & risks, and if patient qualifies for minimally invasive surgery.
During Surgery

Minimally Invasive

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Precise bypass of blocked coronary arteries using specialised instruments through small incisions, minimising trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Utilisation of advanced technologies such as robotic assistance and specialised imaging for enhanced precision.

Open Heart

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Bypass of blocked or narrowed coronary arteries using open heart surgical methods, which involve opening the chest cavity.
  • Application of advanced surgical technologies and methods to ensure accurate procedure execution and optimal outcomes.
After Surgery

Minimally Invasive

  • Usually 1 day in ICU & 3-4 days in general ward.
  • Faster mobilisation and return to daily activities.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Open Heart

  • Usually 2 days in ICU & 5-7 days in general ward.
  • Slower mobilisation while in recovery.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Benefits

Minimally Invasive

Smaller Incisions

Less pain & quicker recovery period.

Minimal Scarring

Results in smaller scars that are less visible.

Faster Mobilisation & Improved Recovery

Regain strength and mobility faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.

Less Infection
Smaller incisions reduce the risk of post-surgical infections, leading to safer recovery.
Less Blood Loss
Minimises blood loss, decreasing the need for transfusions.
Less Trauma
Reduced physical trauma to the body facilitates quicker healing and less post-operative pain.
Less Arrhythmia
Lowers the likelihood of irregular heartbeats, enhancing overall cardiac stability post-surgery.
Better Lung function in the early stage
Preserving chest structure promotes improved lung function and breathing capacity shortly after surgery.
Better Cosmetic Effect
Smaller incisions result in less visible scarring, maintaining a more natural appearance.

Open Heart

Suitability in certain complex & high-risk cases

In cases where the heart anatomy is complex or the arteries are severely diseased, open heart surgery may offer a more reliable option for complete revascularization.

References 1. Mount Elizabeth. Accessed on 30 July 2024. 2. NUHS. Accessed on 30 July 2024. Disclaimer: Individual symptoms, conditions, circumstances, and outcomes related to heart surgeries and cardiovascular health may vary. The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment specific to heart conditions. Always consult with your cardiologist or a qualified healthcare provider regarding your particular heart condition and the appropriate medical or surgical treatments.

Contact Us

Are you ready to take the next step in your heart health journey? Our team at Theo Kofidis Cardiac Surgery is here to ensure a smooth and supportive experience from start to finish. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.