Beating heart surgery, also known as off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), is a heart procedure that bypasses the blood flow from the blocked portion of the coronary artery without stopping the heart or using a heart-lung machine. The operation is usually performed by taking an artery or vein from one part of the body or graft and bypassing a blocked coronary artery. This allows restoring the normal blood flow of the heart. At Apollo Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, our cardiac surgeons are highly skilled in performing this complex procedure, ensuring minimal risks and enhanced recovery.
When is Beating Heart Surgery Necessary?
When recommending the procedure, surgeons weigh several factors, such as the history of thoracic surgeries, the location of blocked arteries, and existing conditions. A beating heart surgery is usually advised when patients are diagnosed with serious coronary artery disease that may require CABG surgery or angioplasty.
The procedure is also suggested when patients have higher surgical risks due to comorbid conditions, such as chronic lung disease, kidney problems, or advanced atherosclerosis of the aorta. Beating heart surgery decreases the risk of postoperative complications, such as inflammation, irregular heart rhythms, and infection. However, this approach may not be suitable for patients with impaired heart function, those needing a second surgery involving one side of the heart, or if the heart cannot handle being manipulated.
What Happens During the Procedure?
During the procedure, the area for the incision is shaved, and anaesthesia is administered to numb the pain. The incision is performed, and a piece of blood vessel (graft) from a region of the body (mostly the leg) is taken out. Another incision is made down the middle of the chest. A left chest incision may also be done based on the number and location of blockages. Certain devices are used to reduce heart movement and stop the blood flow to the blocked artery.
The graft is stitched in place to complete the necessary bypass, which involves attaching one end above the blockage and the other end below the blockage. After grafting, blood flow through the grafts is checked. Tubes may be inserted through the chest to drain blood and other fluids around the heart. The incisions are closed with wires, stitches, or other methods.
Post-Surgery Care
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