Conventional bypass surgery involves stopping the heart while the new coronary bypasses are attached to the heart. During this time, cardiopulmonary bypass (the heart-lung machine) is used to pump the blood for the body. Recent technological developments have made it possible to perform CABG without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). By avoiding CPB, we have seen a reduction in some postoperative complications.

CABG performed without CPB may be done using the traditional breastbone incision or a smaller (minimally invasive) incision. The number and location of bypass grafts that need to be completed determine the type of incision chosen. Some patients are more ideally suited for off pump CABG. The decision needs to be made on an individual basis and discussed with your cardiothoracic surgeon. CABG procedures performed without CPB have been found to be a workable option for some patients who in the past have been considered too "high risk" for traditional bypass surgery. We are quite pleased with our success and experience in providing this alternative to our patients.

Advances in surgery and medical devices allow doctors to have less invasive options in the treatment of coronary artery disease, such as beating heart (or "off-pump" vs. "on-pump") bypass surgery.  Now individuals who have medical conditions such as diabetes, history of stroke, or poor physical health, can undergo cardiac surgery with lower risk for developing complications.  You will want to talk with your doctor to see if beating heart bypass surgery is an option for you. more...