Purpose
Coronary arteries bring blood to the muscle of the heart. Blockages in these arteries can cut off blood flow, causing a heart attack or symptoms of chest pain. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is performed to treat severe coronary artery disease. During CABG surgery, the surgeon safely takes blood vessels from another part of the patient’s body and uses them to reroute the blood supply to the heart. CABG is usually performed through an incision in the chest. The breastbone is cut so the surgeon can access the heart for surgery. In contrast, minimally invasive CABG procedures allow the bypass to be completed through a small incision between the ribs on the left side of the chest.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) is one of few medical centres in the world offering minimally invasive bypass surgery to address blockages in more than one coronary artery. Our cardiac surgery team has a superior level of experience and skill in performing minimally invasive heart surgery.
This procedure may not be possible for all patients requiring coronary bypass surgery. The team evaluates each case to determine if it is the right choice for each patient.
The benefits of minimally invasive bypass surgery
- No cutting of the breastbone
- Less time spent in hospital.
- Faster return to typical activities
- Decreased blood loss
- Lower risk of infection
- Smaller scar
An advantage for patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery is the short recovery time. Patients are often discharged within two or three days.
Patients are free to move as they wish and may return to their typical levels of activity within a few weeks.
Medications, lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation continue to improve heart health after surgery.
Description
- A small incision (cut) is made, between the ribs, to allow the surgeons to access the heart.
- The surgeon will prepare a blood vessel from either the chest wall, the forearm, or the leg to use for the bypass graft.
- Using specialized surgical instruments through the small incision, this healthy blood vessel is connected to the heart to direct blood flow around the blocked portions of the coronary artery.
- The procedure is usually performed without stopping the heart.
Patient instructions
Preparing for minimally invasive cardiac bypass surgery
Recovering from minimally invasive cardiac bypass surgery
Additional info
We encourage you and your family to attend a class before and after surgery to help prepare for surgery and better understand what to expect when you go home.
You will also receive the cardiac surgery patient guide, which contains detailed information about your surgery.
On discharge, a nurse will meet with you and your family members to review all the medications you will be taking.