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Heart, front view
Heart, front view
Posterior heart arteries
Posterior heart arteries
Anterior heart arteries
Anterior heart arteries
Coronary artery stent
Coronary artery stent
Heart bypass surgery - series
Heart bypass surgery - series


Minimally invasive heart surgery

Alternative Names:
Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass; MIDCAB; Off-pump coronary artery bypass; OPCAB; Beating heart surgery; Robot assisted coronary artery bypass; RACAB; Keyhole heart surgery

Convalescence:

MIDCAB and OPCAB patients typically spend one day in the surgical intensive care unit and then move to a regular surgery unit, where they receive cardiac rehabilitation. The average hospital stay is 3 days for MIDCAB patients and 5-7 days for OPCAB patients. In contrast, a hospital stay of 6-10 days is typical for conventional CABG patients.

Patients who have had MIDCAB have lower chest wound infection rates than patients who have undergone CABG or OPCAB. A smaller incision means less exposure and handling of tissue, which reduces the chance of infection.

MIDCAB patients recover more quickly than those who undergo CABG or OPCAB. Within 2 weeks, most MIDCAB patients can return to their normal activity level, compared with 2-3 months for patients who have had conventional surgery.

OPCAB patients have a recovery that in most respects is similar to that for CABG patients. Most are able to return to full activity, including work, 2-3 months after operation.




Review Date: 4/13/2004
Reviewed By: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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