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Step 1
Do as much research as you can about new techniques available for open-heart surgery. Look online and at your local library. Talk to someone who recently had open-heart surgery. Ask your cardiologist about the latest techniques.
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Step 2
For patients with limited blockages, a minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery called OPCAB (off pump coronary artery bypass) can now be done on a beating heart. A cardiopulmonary bypass and heart-lung machine are not required. Studies show a reduction in bleeding complications, post-operative intubation time, time in intensive care, overall hospital stay, morbidity and duration of ventilatory support.
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Step 3
Another new technique called MIDCAB (minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass) is also performed on a beating heart and uses a small 4-inch incision. This procedure is only designed to bypass one or two coronary arteries. Advantages over traditional bypass surgery include: shorter procedure (2 to 3 hours instead of 3 to 6); reduced recovery time (from months to days or weeks); reduced need for blood transfusions, if any; less pain and discomfort; and up to 40% cost savings.
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Step 4
Minimally invasive valve surgery does require that the heart stop beating. A new approach to stop the heart beat uses a catheter placed through an artery in the leg and into the aorta. A balloon at the tip expands and blocks the flow through the aorta to stop the heart beat.
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Step 5
Robotic surgery uses even smaller incisions and pencil-thin instruments. The surgeon sits at a console with a video screen and guides robotic arms to operate the instruments.
