Bypass Surgery

Types

Traditional Bypass Surgery

Traditional bypass surgery involves the use of a heart-lung machine. In this procedure, the heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine (cardiolpulmonary bypass machine) takes over the work of the heart and lungs. The surgeon performs the bypass procedure on the stopped heart. A stopped heart better allows the surgeon to perform the extremely precise maneuvers that are necessary. This type of bypass surgery has been used for many years with excellent results.

Off-pump Bypass Surgery

Sometimes called beating heart surgery, an off-pump bypass is done without a heart-lung machine. Special devices stabilize the heart during surgery. Not everyone is a candidate for off-pump bypass surgery. The patient's anatomy and the grafts needed are key to the decision.

Some studies suggest that this procedure has less chance for kidney complications and postoperative bleeding, and may result in a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.

Minimally Invasive Bypass Surgery

At Mayo Clinic, many heart problems can be treated with minimally invasive heart surgery. Surgeons at Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus offer this treatment, accessing the heart through small incisions in the side of the chest. The surgeons use specially designed instruments to perform the operation. This procedure may be done without stopping the heart. Some patients can leave the hospital within 48 hours. This operation is only used for patients whose blockages can be bypassed through a smaller incision and whose risk of complications is low.

Advantages of this procedure include:

• Reduced hospital stay
• Faster recovery time
• Less blood loss