Our Summary

The concept of isolated organ perfusion, which is related to cardiopulmonary bypass (a procedure that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery), was first introduced by Legalois in 1812. The first system that could oxygenate blood and return it to the arteries was created by Frey and Gruber in 1885.

John Gibbon Jr. is known as the pioneer of extracorporeal circulation, which is the process of circulating blood outside of the body. He started building a machine for this in 1934 and described it in a publication in 1937. With the financial support from International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), he was able to develop the first and second models of this machine in 1949 and 1951 respectively.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the first successful heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass was performed on May 6, 1953. This was a surgery to close a hole in the wall that separates the upper two chambers of the heart.

In 1945, Kirklin and his team reported a series of eight successful surgeries in a row using extracorporeal circulation. The first successful heart valve surgery under direct vision was performed by Dodrill in 1952, who used his “Michigan Heart” machine for the procedure.

In layman’s terms, the development of cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal circulation has allowed heart surgeons to treat complex heart conditions and save millions of lives.

FAQs

  1. Who is considered the father of extracorporeal circulation?
  2. When was the first successful surgical intervention on the heart using cardiopulmonary bypass performed?
  3. What was the “Michigan Heart” machine and how was it used in heart bypass surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of future heart issues. It is important to also follow any medication and lifestyle recommendations provided by your healthcare team to ensure a successful recovery and long-term heart health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery include those with:

  1. Severe coronary artery disease: Patients with significant blockages in their coronary arteries that cannot be effectively treated with medication or less invasive procedures may be recommended for heart bypass surgery.

  2. Multiple blockages: Patients with multiple blockages in their coronary arteries may benefit from heart bypass surgery to improve blood flow to the heart muscle.

  3. Left main coronary artery disease: Patients with blockages in the left main coronary artery, which supplies blood to a large portion of the heart muscle, may require heart bypass surgery to prevent a heart attack.

  4. Failed previous interventions: Patients who have had unsuccessful stenting procedures or other interventions to treat coronary artery disease may be recommended for heart bypass surgery.

  5. Reduced heart function: Patients with reduced heart function, as evidenced by a low ejection fraction, may benefit from heart bypass surgery to improve their overall heart function.

  6. High-risk patients: Patients who are considered high-risk for complications during less invasive procedures, such as those with advanced age or multiple comorbidities, may be recommended for heart bypass surgery as a safer option.

Overall, the decision to recommend heart bypass surgery is based on the individual patient’s specific condition and risk factors, and is determined by a team of cardiac specialists including cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery:

  • Patient may experience symptoms of coronary artery disease such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, stress test, and coronary angiography to determine the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries
  • Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications
  • Patient may undergo lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise modifications

After heart bypass surgery:

  • Patient is monitored in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery
  • Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the chest and incision site
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient is prescribed medications to manage pain, prevent infection, and reduce the risk of blood clots
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with the cardiologist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to treatment plan

Overall, heart bypass surgery can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with coronary artery disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a heart bypass surgery?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with heart bypass surgery?

  3. How long is the recovery period after heart bypass surgery?

  4. How will my quality of life be affected after undergoing a heart bypass surgery?

  5. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or take medications after the surgery?

  6. How long do the results of a heart bypass surgery typically last?

  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before deciding on a heart bypass surgery?

  8. How experienced is the surgical team that will be performing the heart bypass surgery?

  9. What should I expect during the surgery and post-operative care?

  10. What follow-up appointments and tests will I need after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Šušak S, Redžek A, Rosić M, Velicki L, Okiljević B. Journal: Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2016 Nov-Dec;144(11-12):670-5. PMID: 29659237