Our Summary

This research paper looks at two different types of heart surgery used to treat blocked coronary arteries: beating-heart on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (BH-ONCAB) and conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (C-ONCAB). The researchers wanted to see if one method was better than the other in terms of patient outcomes in the short and medium term after surgery.

They reviewed 13 studies that included almost 4,000 patients who had either type of surgery. They found no difference in survival rates 30 days after surgery or in the medium term between the two methods.

However, they did find that patients who had the BH-ONCAB surgery had fewer heart attacks after surgery. They also found that the BH-ONCAB method resulted in less use of a particular type of assistive device during surgery, shorter time on a heart-lung machine, and less blood loss. The number of grafts and vessels operated on were the same for both methods.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that BH-ONCAB is a safe alternative to C-ONCAB, with similar survival rates and potentially some advantages in terms of fewer post-surgery heart attacks and less blood loss. They recommend that future research should focus on larger studies and trials that take into account patients’ pre-surgery heart function and kidney health to better tailor the surgery to high-risk patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of heart surgery studied in this research paper?
  2. Were there any differences in survival rates between the two methods of heart surgery researched?
  3. What advantages were found in using the BH-ONCAB method over the C-ONCAB method?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow a healthy lifestyle after the procedure, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking. This can help improve the long-term success of the surgery and reduce the risk of future heart problems. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare team.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended heart bypass surgery are those with severe blockages in their coronary arteries that are causing symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or shortness of breath. These blockages can be identified through tests such as angiograms or stress tests. Patients with a history of heart attacks or those at high risk for heart disease may also be recommended for heart bypass surgery. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to other treatments such as medications or lifestyle changes may be considered for heart bypass surgery.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms of blocked coronary arteries such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. They may undergo diagnostic tests such as an angiogram to confirm the blockages. Once it is determined that bypass surgery is necessary, the patient will undergo pre-operative evaluations and preparations.

After the heart bypass surgery, the patient will be monitored closely in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days. They will be gradually weaned off the ventilator and other support systems. Physical therapy will be initiated to help the patient regain strength and mobility. The patient will also receive education on post-operative care, medications, and lifestyle changes to prevent future blockages.

In the weeks and months following heart bypass surgery, the patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and adjust their treatment plan as needed. Cardiac rehabilitation may be recommended to help the patient recover and improve their overall heart health. With proper care and lifestyle changes, the patient can expect to see improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about heart bypass surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of the surgery in terms of improving heart function and reducing symptoms?
  5. How many grafts will be performed during the surgery and what is the expected outcome?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing bypass surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing heart bypass surgeries?
  8. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are the potential side effects?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  10. What can I do to optimize the success of the surgery and improve my overall heart health in the long term?

Reference

Authors: Chaudhry UA, Harling L, Sepehripour AH, Stavridis G, Kokotsakis J, Ashrafian H, Athanasiou T. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Dec;100(6):2251-60. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.05.057. Epub 2015 Aug 11. PMID: 26271580