Our Summary

Researchers have looked at a new way of performing heart bypass surgery, called “on-pump beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting” (ON-BH CABG), which might be better for high-risk patients. They compared studies of this new method with the traditional way of doing the surgery, which involves stopping the heart. They found that the new method was associated with a 45% lower risk of death soon after the operation, and also lower risk of complications such as heart attack, kidney failure and low output syndrome. Their conclusion is that this new way of doing heart bypass surgery could be a good option for high-risk patients.

FAQs

  1. What is “on-pump beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting” (ON-BH CABG)?
  2. How does the ON-BH CABG method compare to the traditional heart bypass surgery method?
  3. Who might benefit most from the new ON-BH CABG method?

Doctor’s Tip

It’s important to discuss with your doctor the best option for your specific situation and to weigh the potential risks and benefits of each method before making a decision. Additionally, following your doctor’s post-operative instructions, such as taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and making lifestyle changes, can help ensure a successful recovery and reduce the risk of future heart issues.

Suitable For

High-risk patients who may be recommended for heart bypass surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, multiple blockages in the coronary arteries, previous heart attacks, diabetes, advanced age, and other medical conditions that increase the risk of complications during surgery.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of tests and evaluations to determine the severity of their condition and the best course of treatment. This may include imaging tests, blood work, and consultations with various healthcare providers. Once it is determined that heart bypass surgery is necessary, the patient will be scheduled for the procedure.

During heart bypass surgery, the patient will be put under general anesthesia and the surgeon will make an incision in the chest to access the heart. The surgeon will then take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body and attach it to the blocked artery, creating a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart. This process may involve the use of a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs.

After heart bypass surgery, the patient will typically spend several days in the hospital recovering. They will be monitored closely for any complications and given medication to manage pain and prevent infection. Physical therapy and cardiac rehabilitation may also be recommended to help the patient regain strength and improve their heart health.

Overall, the goal of heart bypass surgery is to improve blood flow to the heart and reduce symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain and shortness of breath. With proper care and follow-up, patients can expect to see improvements in their overall heart health and quality of life after undergoing this procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between traditional heart bypass surgery and ON-BH CABG?
  2. Am I considered a high-risk patient for heart bypass surgery?
  3. What are the potential benefits of ON-BH CABG for someone in my situation?
  4. Are there any specific risks or complications associated with ON-BH CABG that I should be aware of?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team with performing ON-BH CABG?
  6. What is the recovery process like for patients who undergo ON-BH CABG?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options that I should consider before deciding on heart bypass surgery?
  8. How long does the effect of ON-BH CABG last compared to traditional bypass surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of ON-BH CABG in terms of improving heart function and reducing symptoms?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or medications I will need to consider after undergoing ON-BH CABG?

Reference

Authors: Ueki C, Sakaguchi G, Akimoto T, Ohashi Y, Sato H. Journal: Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2016 Nov;50(5):813-821. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezw129. Epub 2016 Apr 22. PMID: 27107048